ABC Recovery Center in Indio will honor the Betty Ford Center’s head physician at a gala tonight
ABC Recovery Center in Indio will honor the Betty Ford Center’s head physician at a gala tonight.
Dr. Harry Haroutunian, known as “Doctor Harry” to his patients, will receive the Leonard K. Firestone Award, which is named after one of the founders of the Betty Ford Center. The late former first lady was the first recipient of the award.
The annual gala, featuring music by funk band The Family Stone, is set for 6 p.m. at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio. All proceeds from tickets and the silent auction, which includes rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia benefit the center’s program for pregnant women struggling with substance abuse, according to event spokeswoman Lee Rice.
Haroutunian is an expert on addiction and has developed a recovery lecture series and written a book about living sober, according to Rice.
His “dedication to helping addicts regain their lives is truly an inspiration. Through his work at the renowned Betty Ford Center and ABC Recovery Center, he has literally helped thousands of individuals with their recovery,” ‘ said David Likens, president and CEO of ABC.
ABC Recovery Center provides detoxification, residential, transitional and outpatient services for people addicted to alcohol and drugs. The center started in 1963 in an Indio home and hosted Alcoholics Anonymous meetings every night. Programs at the center, which is licensed and certified by the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, are based on 12 Step principles.
Tickets for the gala are $100. Call (760) 342-6616 or email dlikens@abcrecoverycenter.org.
