CENTER CITY, Minn., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Former U.S. Congressman Jim Ramstad of Minnesota has joined Hazelden as a senior policy adviser.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061128/CGTU038LOGO)

Ramstad, who served in Congress from 1991 until last year, will assist Hazelden on federal legislative and policy issues related to addiction, treatment, and recovery. He will focus on health care reform and implementation of a new law expanding access to addiction and mental health treatment through private health care insurance.

"Congressman Ramstad has been a long-time champion for addiction treatment and a tireless advocate for people struggling with addiction to alcohol or other drugs," said Mark Mishek, Hazelden president and CEO. "His personal passion and his legislative leadership will help not just Hazelden, but our entire field, at a crucial time in the public policy arena."

Ramstad, a Republican from Wayzata, Minnesota, was chief co-sponsor of the "Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act," legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush in October 2008.  The new law, which took full effect this year, ends discriminatory restrictions by insurance plans, requiring most to cover addiction and mental illness equally with other physical illness.  

"My experience in Washington taught me there is still a long way to go to convince our elected officials that addiction to alcohol or other drugs is America's number one health problem," Ramstad said. "Hazelden was there as a leader when I first went to Congress 20 years ago, and I look forward to working with the renowned Hazelden team to change the terms of the debate for the sake of those still suffering from the disease of addiction."

Ramstad also served in the Minnesota Legislature from 1981-1990.

About Hazelden

Hazelden, a national nonprofit organization founded in 1949, helps people reclaim their lives from the disease of addiction. Built on decades of knowledge and experience, Hazelden offers a comprehensive approach to addiction that addresses the full range of patient, family, and professional needs, including treatment and continuing care for youth and adults, research, higher education, public education and advocacy, and publishing. It has facilities in Minnesota, Oregon, Illinois, New York, and Florida. Learn more at www.hazelden.org.

For more information contact William C. Moyers, vice president of foundation relations at Hazelden, 651-213-4715 or wmoyers@hazelden.org.

SOURCE Hazelden Foundation

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