Director's Awards

The Director’s Awards represent an opportunity to recognize the valuable contributions to the treatment, prevention and recovery fields by individuals and organizations. Recipients of these awards demonstrate outstanding achievement in these key areas: Innovative and Effective Approaches in Treatment, Prevention, Recovery, and Research, Friend of the Field, Cultural Diversity and State Leader in the Field. The award winners will be recognized on June 18th during the conference.

We are no longer accepting nominations.

Award Cateogries

Innovative and Effective Prevention Approaches

Applies to best approaches in research or practice as they relate to improving and strengthening the prevention field. (Include a brief description that should demonstrate how the nominee addressed the appropriate risk and protective factors for substance abuse in a defined population; evidence-based strategies and practices to achieve outcomes; used approaches that have been shown to be effective; intervened early at important stages, transitions and in appropriate settings and domains; and developed innovative and effective approaches to manage programs effectively.)

Innovative and Effective Treatment Approaches

Applies to best approaches in research or practice as they relate to improving and strengthening the treatment field. (Include a brief description of how the nominee has demonstrated innovative and effective approaches in the treatment of substance abuse. The description should also provide a discussion of why the nominee has employed this method; how the diverse treatment needs of the patient population has been addressed and the appropriateness of those treatment components; define the degree of active engagement of patient in the treatment process; and include the overall results of the approach along with any evidence of success.)

Innovative and Effective Recovery Approaches

Applies to best approaches in research or practice as they relate to improving and strengthening the recovery field. (Include a brief description of how the nominee has demonstrated innovative and effective approaches in the light of recovery from substance abuse. The description should include evidence-based strategies and practices to achieve outcomes. The description should also provide a discussion of factors which led the nominee to employ this method and include the overall results of the approach along with any evidence of success.)

Innovative and Effective Research Approaches

Applies to best approaches in research or practice as they relate to improving and strengthening the prevention, treatment or recovery fields. (Include a brief description of how the nominee has demonstrated innovative and effective approaches in the treatment, prevention or recovery of substance abuse. The description should also provide a discussion of which led the nominee to employ this method and include the overall results of the approach along with any evidence of success.)

Friend of the Field

This award is reserved for an individual(s)/organization that is supportive of prevention, treatment and recovery but is not typically associated with alcohol and other drug prevention, treatment and recovery programs. Nominee’s may come from, but are not limited to, corporate, non-profit, governmental or academia environments. (Include a brief description of how the nominee has demonstrated a strong dedication and commitment to supporting the field of alcohol and other drugs. The methods of supporting the field can be either through continued financial commitments; volunteering time in community service; or serving as an advocate and noted spokesperson for the prevention, treatment and recovery of substance abuse. The nominee should not be currently employed in the AOD field.)

Cultural Diversity

This award acknowledges the value of cultural diversity as an essential component of prevention, treatment and recovery by recognizing an individual(s)/organization for their support of diversity in prevention, treatment and recovery. (Include a brief description of how the nominee has developed an approach to reach out to a culturally diverse population. The nominee should demonstrate cultural sensitivity through hiring practices that match staff to the program’s client base. Discuss the overall impact and results of the culturally diverse approach to prevention, treatment and recovery along with any evidence of success.)

State Leader in the Field
This award is reserved for an individual(s)/organization that is a leader in the field of treatment, prevention or recovery of substance abuse in the state. (Include a brief description of how the nominee has demonstrated a strong dedication and commitment in leading the state’s prevention, treatment and recovery of substance abuse.)