Dear friends,

Not a day passes without the national media highlighting the epidemic our country is facing. The opioid crisis is discussed on the nightly news, in presidential debates, and in communities across the country. Unfortunately, Texas is not immune.

In a survey conducted by the Substance Abuse Services Administration (2013-2014) about 1.3 million Texans aged 12 and older were dependent or abused alcohol within the year prior to being surveyed. An additional 464,000 Texans were dependent or abused an illicit substance within that same year surveyed. These figures are startling. But even more startling is the number of individuals in need of treatment that could not access help. Of those with drug dependence, 91.4% were not able to get the help they needed. Additionally, 93.6% addicted to alcohol were not able to access treatment.

Addiction affects our families, our schools, our businesses and our communities.

For the last 15 years Valley Hope has been in the DFW community; offering help and hope to those struggling with substance use disorders. Now, on our 15^th anniversary, we want to take a moment to recognize the success we have had in helping individuals and families, to recognize the large number of people in our community that still need our help and to re-dedicate ourselves to the mission of providing quality treatment services to those in need.

I hope you will join us for a special anniversary and re-dedication celebration on May 3, 2016 from 2:00 pm-3:30 pm CT, at our Grapevine facility. There will be a brief presentation followed by refreshments and tours of our facility. Please contact Trish Olson, Chief of Staff, with any questions or to RSVP at tolson@valleyhope.org or 785-580-8413.

I look forward to seeing you on May 3rd!

Pat George, President and CEO