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Command Visits Local Teen Treatment Center

October 28, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Kansas City Command News Release


KANSAS CITY - The Kansas City Command paid a visit to the Preferred Family Healthcare KC Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Services Center Thursday night. Players from the team's current and 2011 rosters spent time conversing with the center's youth and took on the privilege of judging the residents' Halloween door decorating contest.

Kimber Dowdy, vice president of treatment services, oversees the 28-bed residential unit for male and female adolescents (12-17 years old). Dowdy knows the positive impact professional athletes can make on troubled youth, citing that Command receiver OJ Simpson is not only a professional football player, but one of her treatment center counselors as well.

"I want to say thank you to the Kansas City Command for taking the time to work with our kids," Dowdy said. "The kids were nothing but smiles. I know this was something very special to them."

"OJ is a great role model for them," Dowdy said, referring to the Command WR. "He's a local guy who speaks very well. He's a wonderful addition to our team, and it's been a pleasure to work with him."

Simpson, who has worked with children for over six years, couldn't stress enough how important his teammates' visit really was.

"For the guys to come up here and volunteer their time like this, it was huge," Simpson said. "Each had a positive message for the kids and gave great advice on how to move forward. This is what being a professional athlete is all about. We have to be so much more than just athletes."

The average length of stay for children in residential services is around 45-60 days, while children in outpatient services are usually treated for four to six months. For more information on the substance abuse treatment center, visit Preferred Family Healthcare at www.pfh.org.

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