Thursday, January 15, 2009

LAO ASSISTANCE CENTER OFFERS HELP FOR ALCOHOL, DRUG, TOBACCO ABUSE

The Lao Assistance Center of Minnesota now offers support and assistance for individuals and families who are concerned about issues involving dependency and abuse of substances like alcohol, drugs and other substances that are harmful for you.

The Northwest Hennepin Human Service Council is currently supporting the Lao Assistance Center and the Southeast Asian Community Council to address many issues including denial and the negative impact alcohol, tobacco and other drugs have on individuals, their family and the community. Together, they hope to facilitate appropriate and timely access to successful treatment and provide support for sobriety for Hmong and Lao in the Northwest Hennepin metro area.

“This is an important issue for our community,” said Sunny Chanthanouvong, Executive Director. “We know it’s not easy, but we want people to know we’re here and there for them.”

The Lao Assistance Center has several qualified staff members working daily to assist community members of all ages who seek help, and will be increasing their programs throughout the year to build a better understanding of these problems in the community.

In the future, they will be conducting trainings and outreach to people of all ages, presenting at community events and special occasions. There will be biweekly support groups and resources to assist families and individuals in developing sobriety plans that allow them to enjoy happy, healthy and productive lifestyles.Groups who are interested in seeing presentations should contact the Lao Assistance Center.

For more information about the Lao Assistance Center’s programs and how to get involved, you can contact them at (612) 374-4967 or e-mail sunny@laocenter.org.

Or visit them online at www.laocenter.org
Their offices at 503 Irving Avenue North in Minneapolis.

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