Summary/Abstract

Andre Hohnson, founder of the Detroit Recovery Project a Detroit-based drug recovery program, will be recognized at the White House next week as part of an Obama administration effort to respond to a nationwide problem with prescription opioid and heroin abuse.

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Andre Johnson, a 46-year-old native Detroiter who is president and CEO of the Detroit Recovery Project, will be recognized as one of 10 “Champions of Change” during a program at the White House on April 29. Johnson was selected from among 920 people nominated for the honor.

“I’m just super-elated,” Johnson told the Free Press on Thursday. “I don’t work to get recognized, but it doesn’t hurt. … I do this because it’s my calling. It’s what I was born to do.”

According to Johnson, who is a former drug and alcohol user himself but has been in recovery for nearly 28 years, he started Detroit Recovery Project in 2005 and says its success is based in part on using people with drug experience themselves to help people with addiction problems.

“It makes it a little easier for people who come forward,” he said. The White House said over the last decade, Johnson’s organization has received more than $15 million dollars in federal, county, state and local grants to provide prevention, treatment and recovery services.

Johnson also serves on the Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Administration/Center for Substance Abuse Treatment National Advisory Council, as well as being a member of the board of the College for Behavioral Health Leadership.

According to Johnson's nomination, Detroit Recovery Project, along with the Wayne County Economic Development Growth Engine, was recently awarded $100,000 for a program for a recovery management and support program helping to provide housing in Highland Park, Hamtramck and Harper Woods

"From Detroit to his work overseas, Andre has chosen to dedicate his talents to serve the American people. We look forward to honoring Andre’s work as a Champion of Change,” said White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, who will represent the administration at next Friday’s ceremony, along with Director of National Drug Control Policy Michael Botticelli and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy.

The Obama administration created the Champions of Change program as a way to recognize "individuals doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities."

Chooper's Guide is proud to be a partner with The Detroit Recovery Project. We have been strong supporters of Andre's work for the past five years.