First lady Nancy Reagan in 1988 looks at a sculpture presented to her by Dr. Sidney Shankman, founder and director of Second Genesis, a drug rehabilitation program. An estimated 30,000 had completed its recovery program, a graduation rate of 68 percent, which is considered a strong retention rate for substance abuse recovery programs. His experience there became the germ of Second Genesis, which over the years was supported by government and foundation grants and individual contributions. Dr. Shankman served on government-sponsored drug-abuse panels, advised federal agencies on drug-treatment policies and spoke about drug-treatment concerns with Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. After his retirement from Second Genesis, he continued a private practice of psychiatry for another nine years.

Source: Washington Post March 01, 2019 19:02 UTC