Black History Month is a time to reflect on African Americans' contributions to this Nation and our communities. Black History Month has been observed for the past 53 years. During that time, many American heroes were showcased for their contributions to this great Nation. Names like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, and Rosa Parks are well knowns to most of us for their activism. But we sometimes need to take the time to recognize the outstanding African Americans doing tremendous work in Addictions and Social Activism.
Lonnetta Albright is the Executive Director of the Great Lakes Addiction Technology Transfer Center (GLATTC), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Under her leadership, GLATTC is helping affiliate states shift from an acute care model of addiction treatment toward recovery management (RM) and recovery-oriented systems of care (ROSC). Carl Bell, M.D., is an international researcher and author of more than 450 book chapters and articles addressing violence prevention, HIV prevention, mental health, addiction/co-occurring disorders, and fetal alcohol syndrome prevention in the African American community.
Andrea Barthwell, M.D., FASAM, is the founder and CEO of the Two Dreams addiction treatment program. She is a former president of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and served as Director of Demand Reduction at the National Drug Control Policy office under President George W. Bush.
Louis E. Baxter, Sr., M.D., FASAM, has served as the President of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, Executive Medical Director of the Professional Assistance Program of New Jersey, Inc., and Medical Director of the Division of Addiction Services for the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.
As Lake Point Recovery and Wellness celebrates Black History Month, we are proud to highlight some of our history makers. Amongst our leadership staff, we have three outstanding African American contributors.
Stephanie Garner, CEO
Stephanie Garner is the CEO of ARVAC and Lake Point Recovery and Wellness. She has been in place since 2013. Under her leadership, ARVAC has undergone restructuring and reorganizing efforts that have saved at-risk programs and resulted in financial and operational stability for the program. She has worked across divisions within the agency to enhance communications and organizational culture. Mrs. Garner has also spearheaded successful funding and development efforts. Under her leadership, ARVAC has grown from 1.5 million in operational grant funds to 18 million annually.
Mrs. Garner has worked tirelessly at lifting families out of poverty. With over fifteen (15) years of prior experience in workforce and economic development, she is working collaboratively with key stakeholders, individuals, and families to break the cycle of poverty within their communities and move individuals toward economic opportunity. She serves as a board member of the Arkansas Department of Finance Authority (ADFA) and is the Past President of the Dardanelle Rotary Club. We are honored to have her as CEO of Lake Point and proud of the strides we have made under her leadership.
Rashad Woods
Rashad Woods is the Director of Communications and Resource Development. He is the first African American male to be elected to Dardanelle City Council, and at age 23, one of the youngest city council members elected in Arkansas at that time. Rashad was voted Top 20 in their 20's as well as Who's Who in Arkansas. Rashad has done fantastic work for his community while serving on the City Council. With a strong background in nonprofits, we are proud to have Rashad leading our communications and resource development at Lake Point.
Candice Henderson
Candice Henderson, ADC, is the Interim COO at Lake Point Recovery and Wellness. She is a member of the Arkansas Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (AAADAC), where she currently serves as Treasurer. She is a member of the Arkansas Substance Abuse Board. Candice has her ICADC credential, indicating that she is an International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Candice is the former Co-chair of Faulkner County Coalition; she served in community outreach programs with experience in the Criminal Justice Systems, working with Drug Court. We are proud to have such an outstanding individual and leader at our Facility.
