The Drug & Alcohol Service Providers Organization of Pennsylvania has named state Sen. Christine Tartaglione as the recipient of its Appreciation Award during the organization’s annual Celebration of Recovery.
The event was held via video conferencing in compliance with COVID-19 mitigation guidelines. The senator detailed publicly for the first time in her 25-year career her ongoing recovery from alcoholism. She has avoided drinking alcohol for the last 17 years.
Robert Dellavella, CEO of Self Help Movement Inc., 2600 Southampton Road, presented the award during a small gathering of her close friends.
U.S. Reps. Brendan Boyle and Brian Fitzpatrick, Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa and Bucks County Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo were among those congratulating Tartaglione during the online event.
“Individuals and organizations like yours are doing God’s work and are saving human lives,” Tartaglione said.
Of her personal story, the senator added, “I sincerely hope that my message about vulnerability, honesty and recovery resonates with the many, many people who, like me, struggle with alcohol or drugs. I hope my story will show others that there is a path forward in sobriety and that a fulfilling life awaits them on the other side.” ••