Dr. Blaine Norris
The inspiration of Blaine’s Center
When Eric and Andrea came to me with the vision of this project my reaction was unexpected, I only wanted what was best for them despite the joy having it named after me held. I asked that I have a couple of days to pray on it, after praying for the wisdom I gave them my blessing. As a lifer in prison, I have chosen to better myself and those around me. I have been peer support for thousands of men and helped them turn their lives around.
My earliest memory is being abused by a neighbor. Abuse and genetics led to lifelong mental health struggles. Un-diagnosed and untreated, I self-medicated with drinking and drugs. My life spiraled a little more out of control each day, until I was arrested in 2003 for murder. I pled guilty because I was and received a life sentence. I can’t change the past, but I can atone for it.
With no hope, no purpose, and in more pain than ever, I turned to Christ. Later I enrolled in Bible College and earned a Bachelor, Master, and Doctor of Biblical Studies, Master of Ministry, and Master of Divinity. There is so much hatred in prison, but I try to share love with those around me.
At current, I am working on Blaine’s Centers newest program which we will roll out hopefully at the beginning of the year for all to benefit from.
Eric Johnson
Founder; D & A Services Director
My interest in helping others in a positive manner began with the SMART Recovery program that helped me to change my life in a positive manner. I began by facilitating meetings in my community in 2015, because I felt I owed it to the man that helped me to see where I needed to change my life. My life of substances and crime began more than 20 years ago. Because of my actions, I have spent more than 7 years in prison and my longest bid was a little less than 3 1/2 years. Since my release in April of 2015 I have spent my time working with the York County Re-entry coalition, SMART Recovery, volunteering within the community and counseling individuals with substance use issues. My intimate knowledge of Pennsylvania’s justice and prison system aids in my expertise in knowing what challenges those of us with these issues face. I have been in recovery from both drugs and alcohol for more than 8 years. The man that Dr. Blaine’s Center for Betterment is named for changed who I am as a person. He had proven to me that I have worth. He made me realize that relationship I could have with God and how having strength through Faith is priceless.
While I was in SCI-Somerset I was able to visit with my son and family, 3 times a year. One visit my son came to see me, and he had grown so much that I barely recognized him. In this moment I realized what type of father I had been, and I was broken on my knees with tears flowing. Deciding at that moment that I needed to change my thinking and I needed to change my behavior.
I am currently finishing my BS in psychology and intend to further my education in both mental health and law I have made it my goal to treat individuals with both substance use disorders and mental health disorders.
Andrea M Sutton, MSAC
Founder; Project Director
My interest in being a part of this type of treatment facility began when I was diagnosed with alcohol use disorder in 2012. Up to that point I considered myself a social drinker much like anyone else with a drinking problem. In denial for more than 4 years I finally drank so much that I ended up in ICU with systematic organ failure due to a .40 BAC level of intoxication. This had to change the way I was living. Growing up alcohol was always part of family events and occasions; I began drinking at a very young age. This was normal behavior for me, and I never imagined that it would become a problem. I noticed my life slipping away from me as it became more unmanageable every day. I did not suffer and legal consequences; however, I lost my house to foreclosure and endured a personal tragedy that led to the slow and painful bottom of my addiction.
In November of 2012, I got sober and have been for nearly 8 years. Enrolled in school and received my BA in Psychology December of 2016. In January 2017 I made the decision, after more than 40 years in Arizona, I moved to PA in order to pursue a career in the Drug and Alcohol field. February of that same year I secured my first job as a counselor in the field. Later that year I met a special woman who was the founder of another facility in this field, we connected on personal level thus, secured my second position as a counselor in this field. This is where I stayed until September of 2019. During those years I accomplished my master’s studies and graduated April 2019. Immediately following in June of 2019, I began my studies for my PhD. At current I am working on getting my LPC and then later when graduated with my PhD, I will work on getting my licensed as a psychologist.
My life’s work since 2012 has been about having a positive impact of those that struggled with mental illness and substance abuse as I have.