Merger Expands Addiction and Mental Health Treatment
Services in Fox Valley Region

Released on = October 11, 2004, 2:05 pm

Press Release Author = Gateway Foundation/ Jennifer Amdur Spitz

Industry = Healthcare

Press Release Summary = Mental health and addiction services expande by 10% in one of Illinois' fastest growing communities. Merger reflects current health trend of dual diagnosis of addiction and mental health illnesses.

Press Release Body = MERGER EXPANDS ADDICTION AND MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT SERVICES IN FOX VALLEY REGION

Aurora, IL – Due to a recent merger of the Gateway Foundation and Community
Counseling Center of the Fox Valley (CCCFV), drug treatment and mental health services will expand by nearly 10 percent in one of the fastest growing regions of the state. The combined organization employs 75 professional treatment and support staff in five Aurora locations, and serves over 900 addicted and mentally ill individuals each year from Kane, Kendall, DuPage and DeKalb counties. "All too often corporate mergers mean little more than numbers on a balance sheet,"
explained Gateway CEO Michael Darcy. "Our merger with this healthy and highly respected organization enables us to rapidly create more opportunities for treatment that can affect lives." The merger reflects a continuing health trend, as more and more individuals are diagnosed with co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness. According to a recent study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 29 percent of substance abuse patients were diagnosed with depression and 17 percent with anxiety disorders, compared to only 3 percent and 2 percent, respectively, of patients in a control group. By bringing together Gateway’s 36 years of experience in substance abuse treatment with CCCFV’s 43 years treating the mentally ill and addicted, the combined organization anticipates the needs of a growing client population. (more)

CCFV Executive Director Carole Arliskas commented, "Gateway’s expertise in clinical programs, fund development and administration will enable CCFV’s dedicated team to expanded services– especially to the local Spanish-speaking population." Colin P. Kelly, Gateway’s Board Chairman, agreed, noting that "Gateway has responded to the national trend toward dual diagnosis of substance abuse and mental health illnesses. Over 2500 of the 30,000 clients Gateway treats each year participate in one of our dual-diagnosis treatment programs in Illinois, Texas or Missouri." The merger has gained strong local support. Says Aurora Mayor David Stover, "I would like to congratulate both the Gateway and CCCFV Boards and staff on their excellent decision. I am certain that this partnership will be of great benefit to the City of Aurora and its citizens." Retired Illinois State Representative and long-time advocate for issues of mental health and substance abuse, Suzanne Deuchler said, "From my service on the boards of both Gateway and CCCFV, I know that treatment works. To invest in our citizen’s recovery is good public policy. We not only save lives, we save money by helping people to become productive members of the community."
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Web Site = http://

Contact Details = Contacts: Carole Arliskas
Executive Director / CCCFV
630.966.7401

Jennifer Amdur Spitz
773-975-1345
Jennifer@AmdurSpitz.com


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