BETTY FORD CENTER TO HOST FREE PUBLIC SCREENING OF 'THE ANONYMOUS PEOPLE'

RANCHO MIRAGE, CA (Dec. 6, 2014) – A special screening and a public discussion of the groundbreaking film “The Anonymous People” will take place on Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. at the Eisenhower Medical Center Auditorium in Rancho Mirage.

Hosted by the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s Center for Public Advocacy and the Betty Ford Center’s Alumni Association, this moving documentary tells the story of the more than 23 million Americans living in long-term recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs.

It features the diverse faces and voices of recovering people who are fighting against the stigma of addiction that has kept them silent and hidden for decades. The film trailer can be viewed here.

“Betty Ford was our nation’s first public advocate for recovery from addiction, opening up about her own story of alcoholism and recovery in a powerful and historically significant way,” said Jim Steinhagen, Vice President and Administrator-in-charge of the Betty Ford Center. “It is especially exciting that this important film, which has galvanized a new generation of recovery advocates, will be shown here at the Betty Ford Center, where it all started.”

Following the screening, a community town hall forum featuring special guests who will interact with the audience will be held. Moderated by the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s Vice President of Public Affairs and Community Relations William C. Moyers, the panel will feature Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation board member Madeline Redstone; Betty Ford Center patient advocate Jimmy Weiss and the Chief Executive Officer of ABC Recovery Center, David Liken.

“We encourage members of the recovery community, their friends and family and those facing the challenges of substance abuse to attend,” continued Steinhagen. “There is much to be learned about how we can change the conversation about addiction from problems to solutions.”

Seating is limited, and reservations can be made by visiting here.

About The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is a force of healing and hope for individuals, families and communities affected by addiction to alcohol and other drugs. It is the nation’s largest nonprofit treatment provider, with a legacy that began in 1949 and includes the 1982 founding of the Betty Ford Center. With 15 sites in California, Minnesota, Oregon, Illinois, New York, Florida, Massachusetts, Colorado and Texas, the Foundation offers prevention and recovery solutions nationwide and across the entire continuum of care to help youth and adults reclaim their lives from the disease of addiction. It includes the largest recovery publishing house in the country, a fully accredited graduate school of addiction studies, an addiction research center, an education arm for medical professionals and a unique children’s program, and is the nation’s leader in advocacy and policy for treatment and recovery. Learn more at www.hazeldenbettyford.org.