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Phoenix House Secures $180K Grant to Enhance Physical
Education Programs
Recovering adolescent substance abusers at risk for obesity and related
health problems
LOS ANGELES, CA, November 1, 2004—Phoenix House, one
of the largest providers of substance abuse treatment services in Southern California,
recently secured a $180K grant over the next three years from the U.S. Department
of Education’s Carol M. White Physical Education Program. The grant will
improve physical education programs and provide better equipment for Phoenix
Academy of Los Angeles — a residential high school for 140 adolescents
receiving substance abuse treatment and accelerated educational services in LA
County.
"During the past 20 years, there has been a dramatic increase in adolescent
obesity and related health problems throughout the United States, and teenagers
who are former substance abusers are particularly at risk," says Winnie
Wechsler, executive director of Phoenix House in California. "Years of
drug use have left them facing the consequences of poor nutrition and inactivity.
With the support of Congressmen Brad Sherman and Howard Berman, Phoenix Academy
is planning a comprehensive physical and health education program called "Drug-Free,
Healthy Me."
The program is designed to improve the variety and quality of the Academy’s
physical education activities as well as the content of physical and health education
classroom-based programming.
"Our goal is to increase the percentage of students participating in
physical activity, helping them achieve their own personal fitness goals while
meeting state standards for physical education," concludes Wechsler.
The Phoenix Academy of Los Angeles is a one-year residential substance abuse
treatment facility licensed to accept adolescents up to 18 years old who have
drug, alcohol, and behavioral issues. This long-term residential drug treatment
is combined with a course of academic study meant to help teens reclaim opportunities
lost to drugs. The accredited curriculum is coordinated with the students’
home school and directed by experienced, state-licensed teachers. Students also
receive an additional year of outpatient aftercare.
Phoenix House has touched the lives of adolescents, adults, and their families
in California for 25 years, helping them overcome the problems associated with
substance abuse and empowering them with the skills to lead healthy, productive
and rewarding lives. More than 2,500 individuals each day receive treatment through
30 Phoenix House programs throughout Southern and Central California. Known for
its effective long-term residential treatment programs, Phoenix House serves
Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties with facilities located in Lake View
Terrace, Los Angeles, Monrovia, Venice, Santa Fe Springs, Santa Ana, Encinitas,
Mission Beach, and Descanso.
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Media Contact:
Linda O'Hanlon
818-386-1916
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