The “Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse’s 21st Annual Awards Luncheon” recognized Alcohol Awareness Month and honored professionals who prevent or reduce substance abuse in New Orleans. This year’s Keynote Speaker was Dr. José Calderón-Abbo, Chief Medical Officer for Optum/United Health Care for Louisiana, who focuses on public health initiatives for integration of behavioral health with primary care, the substance abuse epidemic and addressing social determinants of health.
Steven Lassalle, New Orleans District Administrator of Adult Probation and Parole was honored as this year’s NCADD Bronze Award recipient. This year’s other honorees were Dr. Joseph Kanter, City of New Orleans Health Department for Community Leadership; Tulane University President Michael A. Fitts for Excellence in Prevention; Leigh Ann de Monredon from Odyssey House Louisiana and Kerri Corcoran from Plaquemines Community CARE Center Foundation, Inc. for Excellence in Treatment. Lee Zurik, WVUE Chief Investigative Reporter and his team also received this year’s Media Award honors for their “Licensed to Pill” series.
Harrah’s event staff and catering went above and beyond for CADA, honorees and guests this year, providing a four-course meal capped with banana Foster cheesecake. Decorations included live small plant centerpieces and seasonal flowers at the dining tables. Guests also enjoyed speaking with CADA youth addiction prevention educators at the interactive substance abuse education table and getting more information about partnering community agencies that treat individuals with mental health and substance abuse disorders.
Each guest, upon check-in, entered for a chance to win one of five door prizes, including gift certificates to restaurants within the Creole Cuisine restaurant group, Southern Candymakers, Bayou Oaks Filmore in the Oaks restaurant and an Edward Jones “Office Swag” gift basket.
Event at a Glance
What: “CADA’s 21st Annual Awards Luncheon,” benefiting the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse
When: Thursday, April 19
Where: Harrah’s New Orleans
Michelle Hamrick and Honoree Kerri Corcoran with Else Pedersen and Honoree Leigh Ann de Mondredon
Eric Odom, Joyce Bracey, Rev. Lisa Fitzpatrick and Keynote Speaker José Calderón-Abbo
Ed Carlson, Dr. Arwen Podesta and Morris Hawkins
Esteban Gershanik, Carlos Ponce and Ana and Dr. Juan Gershanik
Stella DelBianco, Betty Speyer, Yakelis Anzola and Beverly Matheney
