Photo Gallery FORT LEE, Va. (July 9, 2009) – The Fort Lee Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program recently held a ribbon-cutting and rededication ceremony to celebrate its re-opening.
The renovated clinic is now located on the second floor of the Kenner Army Health Clinic and features state-of-the-art offices. The therapy room is customizable into either one or two group therapy rooms, among other additions to the clinic.
Nancy Johnson, ASAP chief and clinical director, said the center provides outpatient treatment options to include education groups, therapy groups and individual sessions. They also provide career management for Soldiers who require in-patient services and aftercare services after in-patient treatment.
Soldiers can become involved in the program through command referrals, medical referrals or self referrals, said Johnson. Command referrals are directed by commanders or supervisors due to suspected problems, positive urinalysis or response to a Soldier’s actions. Medical referrals are from KAHC’s providers when they want the Soldier to be seen for evaluation and possible treatment. Self referrals are from the Soldiers who seeks help and they believe they may have a problem with alcohol or substance abuse.
Currently, four counselors are available, and the clinic is in the process of hiring two more. Johnson said the counselors are there to support the Soldiers.
“Our clinicians see themselves as ‘agents for change,’” said Johnson. “Our hope is that it means the person wants some changes to happen in his or her life. We are here to help you figure out what’s important for you, identify what changes you could make in your life to get what’s important for you and figure out the steps you need to take to make those changes.”
Johnson said the clinic’s mission is focused on unit readiness, and sometimes, Soldiers forget the use of alcohol can impact unit readiness. Aside from impacting the individual Soldier, the problems can affect each member of the unit.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Maj. Gen. James E. Chambers, Combined Arms Support Command and Fort Lee commanding general, said how important the program is to Fort Lee.
“The ribbon cutting is a rededication of a facility that houses a very key program for Fort Lee,” Chambers said. “The ASAP mission is to promote wellness and enhance worker combat readiness and worker productivity. This is a center that provides help and relief. Once we get the individual through the door, we have a place that can become an island of help for people who are afflicted.”
Chambers also said the counselors are dedicated to making each Soldier they see stronger.
“The spirit of care and the commitment of individuals in this clinic will go a long way toward increasing the readiness of our units, the individual readiness of our Solders and most importantly, the relationships they have with their Families,” said Chamber. “If we have a Soldier who is strong, and we have a Family that’s strong, then we’re Army Strong.”
The ASAP clinic is open Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - noon and 1-4:30 p.m.
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