Hugh Spalding

My name is Hugh Spalding.  I am a retired civil servant that worked in Frankfort in the Kentucky Division of Substance Abuse.  I was the Executive Director of the Intervention Resource Center in Louisville, before it merged with the Morton Center in May 2003.  I have advocated for improved access to quality services for addicted individuals and their families for many years.  Addictions have run in my family for many generations.  I have been drug-free since November 1977 and alcohol-free since May 1995.  I believe that the greatest barriers to successful recovery are stigma and discrimination against people who suffer with the disease of addiction, and against those who struggle with their own recovery.

In July 2003 I was elected as one of three Co-Chairs of the People Advocating Recovery Steering Committee.  PAR is a statewide addiction advocacy organization, whose mission is to support the rights of addicted individuals, their families, friends, and those who find the joy of recovery.  PAR provides living proof that there are real solutions to alcoholism and other drug addictions in Kentucky.  I currently serve as a member of the PAR Recovery Rally Committee, and a member of the PAR Legislative Committee.

I also volunteer time with the Addiction Recovery Advocates of Kentuckiana, the Angel Programs, Al Anon Information Service Center, Jefferson Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center, the Mankind Project of Kentucky, and Unity of Louisville.  I am married to Zelda and have 4 grown children, Tommy, Matt, Billy, Sarah, and a stepdaughter, Dawn.  We have two grandchildren, Lauren and Adam.