Focus on… Project CHOICES
At TOPDD, we asked this question: How can women who have substance abuse needs become active in preventing FASDs? We found the answer through Project CHOICES and an extraordinary partnership!
In partnership with Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Excellence, substance abuse treatment agencies and NTI Upstream (www.ntiupstream.com), women in treatment are learning how to prevent FASDs through a program that an evidence based program., “Project CHOICES." Project CHOICES was developed through the Center for Disease Control and is being implemented throughout the country by organizations like ours. CHOICES provides information about the impact of alcohol on both the mother and a fetus while utilizing motivational interviewing to engage participants in making life changes to develop healthier behaviors.
Since its inception, 7 agencies that serve thousands of women collectively have made CHOICES part of treatment!
Hats off to our CHOICES partnering agencies:
Aliviane Recovery, Inc. El Paso, TX
Alpha Home Recovery, Inc., San Antonio, TX
Nexus Recovery Center, Inc. Dallas, TX
Volunteers of America-Houston Region Houston, TX
Managed Care Center for Addictive/ Other Disorders, Inc. Lubbock, TX
Santa Maria Hostel Houston, TX
Serenity Foundation of Texas Abilene, TX
Janet Sharkis, Executive Director of TOPDD commented, "We are fortunate to work with dedicated people at all of these agencies. The women who participate in this program are also are our biggest heroes. In the midst of what is probably their biggest life crisis, these strong women elect to learn about how to protect a child that has not even been conceived yet."
Questions about CHOICES?
Contact Leah Davies, Project coordinator at 512-206-5506.