Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Nancy Lebens
ST. PAUL, Minn.

Hazelden, Betty Ford Center reach 'alliance' in principle

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Minnesota-based Hazelden Foundation and the Betty Ford Center announced Tuesday they are pursuing a formal alliance.

The famed drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers are not specifying what the alliance will mean. The boards of both institutions have approved in principle the alliance concept.

Hazelden's Board of Trustees Chair Susan Fox Gillis said the full implementation of the Affordable Care Act next year is the main reason for the move.

"The good news is that many more Americans who desperately need help will be eligible to receive quality treatment for their addiction to alcohol or other drugs," Gillis said in a statement from both institutions.

"The challenge will be to pay for that expanded coverage and service. At this stage it appears that institutionally, only the strong will survive and thrive."

Betty Ford Center Board of Directors Chair Dr. Mary Pattiz said founders, including First Lady Betty Ford, looked to Hazelden as the model at the California institution's founding in 1982.

"It was and is our inspiration, and for more than 30 years we've worked side by side as philosophical partners in providing quality care to alcoholics, addicts, and their families," Pattiz said in the statement.

Hazelden was founded in 1949. In addition to Minnesota, it has facilities in Illinois, New York, Florida and Oregon.