doi:10.7916/ysb6-qj98Oral history interview with Chris Policano, 2015Policano, Chrisoral historiesmixed materialPublic relations personnelTherapeutic communitiesDrug addicts--United StatesSubstance abuse--TreatmentCocaine abuse--History--20th century.--United StatesLake View Terrace (Calif.)Policano, ChrisPhoenix House (Organization)Chris Policano details his pathway to Phoenix House and shares backstory about the building that was slated to be the Nancy Reagan Center and the process of establishing good relations with the Lake View community. He discusses the therapeutic community method and Phoenix House's role in explaining the crack epidemic to stakeholders during the 1980s. He narrates the challenges of de-stigmatizing the images of addicts, and of defending long-term residential care to the public, funders and doctors. He then speaks on organizational culture and leadership