To expand our educational and community outreach in 2007, Hazelden has partnered with WCCO Radio (830 AM) in Minneapolis, Minn. to produce informational programming on four Sunday nights from 7 to 8 p.m. CT. "Heart to Heart with Hazelden" is a one-hour program that will address critical issues related to addiction, treatment and recovery.

The first program will air Sunday, February 25. The second edition will be broadcast Sunday April 22.

"Through the broad reach of WCCO Radio, Hazelden can educate the public in an engaging way," said Jeff Moravec, Hazelden's director of brand, public relations and communications. "The title, ‘Heart to Heart with Hazelden,' captures what Hazelden does best -- discuss tough, personal issues in a frank and caring way."

Almost every family has been affected by drug or alcohol abuse or addiction. Yet until it hits close to home too many people foster misconceptions about this disease -- who contracts it and what to do about it. So the first "Heart to Heart" will discuss how to identify and address an emerging drug or alcohol problem. Program guests will be two of Hazelden's clinical experts, clinical director Jim Atkins and unit supervisor Sheila Hermes.

"Like WCCO, Hazelden is a good neighbor," said Carol Falkowski, Hazelden's director of research communications, who originated the idea for the program and is producing the show with WCCO. "Good neighbors help each other out. This program will help listeners understand the complicated issues related to drug and alcohol abuse, and give them some practical action steps to address it."

Falkowski will co-host the show with Susie Jones of WCCO. There will be one "Heart to Heart" with Hazelden each quarter. The topics of the three other programs in 2007 are parity, youth drug/alcohol abuse, and addiction in the workplace. Air dates to be announced.