The CTN Dissemination Library is sad to report that James L. Sorensen, PhD, respected and beloved member of the CTN Western States Node, has passed away. We received the following information sent to CPDD members; it includes details on how you can support Dr. Sorensen's family in this difficult time through donations to various organizations he cared about:

With a heavy heart and deep sadness, we are informing CPDD members about the recent passing of our esteemed colleague, Dr. James L. Sorensen. For those of you who knew Jim, he was an incredible man with a warm heart and gentle spirit. He made a profound impact on the field of addiction and a major contribution to our understanding of treatment for individuals with HIV/AIDS and substance use disorders. In recent years, his research focused on linking research and practice in the addictions and studying ethical issues faced by staff when providing treatment for substance use disorders. He mentored many trainees over the past 45 years, who can attest to his generous and influential mentorship. Notably, Jim made significant efforts to remove barriers facing ethnic minorities and women in clinical and health-services research and to encourage the development of researchers from underrepresented populations. Jim was regarded fondly by those who worked with him and especially the San Francisco Bay area addiction treatment community.

Jim was an active member of the College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD) and served in many roles including Media Relations Committee, Nominating Committee, Task Force on Education, Board of Directors, Under-Represented Populations Committee (Chair), and Membership Committee. He was also a founding member and Fellow of the American Psychological Association, Division 50, Society of Addiction Psychology, and a founding Consulting Editor of Psychology of Addictive Behaviors.

Jim obtained his PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Rochester, NY in 1975. He then spent three years at Bowling Green University, OH as an Assistant Professor before taking a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He built his career at UCSF and recently retired as Professor Emeritus, continuing to work part-time.

An experienced investigator, he published over 250 articles, chapters, and books. A seasoned leader, Dr. Sorensen was the Chief of Substance Abuse Services at San Francisco General Hospital (SFGH) from 1982 through 1995. He led numerous NIH R01 research grants, was Director of the NIDA-funded San Francisco Treatment Research Unit (1989-1994) along with numerous other NIH and non-governmentally supported research and training programs including the California-Arizona Node and later co-lead the Western States Node of the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network.

Dr. Sorensen was a member of the Institute of Medicine Committee on Community-Based Drug Treatment, which produced the report that led to development of the Clinical Trials Network, and he made the linking of research and practice his major area of focus. Dr. Sorensen was highly dedicated to training future clinicians and researchers, and a valued faculty mentor at UCSF and SFGH. He co-led and directed the NIDA-funded T32 Postdoctoral Training Program in Drug Abuse Treatment and Services Research for many years, was a co-director of the CAPS Visiting Professor R25 program and led the Public Service and Minority Cluster of the Clinical Psychology Training Program at SFGH. He was program director and co-director for the Learning for Early Careers in Addiction & Diversity (LEAD) Program at UCSF.

In 2012 Jim received the George Sarlo Prize for Excellence in Teaching, the highest teaching honor in the UCSF Department of Psychiatry, and in 2013 he received the annual Mentorship Award of the College on Problems of Drug Dependence. In 2015 Jim was honored with the Miracles Tribute award for lifetime achievement and outstanding service in the treatment of addiction and co-occurring disorders, from Constellation Behavioral Health's Alta Mira Recovery Programs in Sausalito, California.

Jim was also a Fulbright Scholar in Calgary, Alberta, Canada during the 2018-2019 academic year where he focused on the ethical issues that confront addiction treatment staff. In the last decade, he taught a course on ethical and legal issues to students at UC Berkeley extension enrolled in an addiction counseling certification program. These remarkable accomplishments represent the areas in which Jim was passionate and reflect his deep commitment to the field of substance use treatment.

We will share any opportunities to celebrate and honor Dr. Sorensen's life and legacy as we hear about them. Jim’s wife, Laurel Koepernik, has requested: In lieu of flowers, tax-deductible donations can be made to UCSF Foundation in honor of Dr. James L. Sorensen (please note in the online form that the contribution is in memory of Dr. Sorensen). These donations will contribute to the support of UCSF-based, and NIDA-funded training programs that were important to Jim.

Alternatively, donations to 100 Friends are welcome! Under Jim’s signature on every email, he stated: "If you have a chance, check out my favorite charity, 100 Friends. The foundation was started by a former research coordinator who worked with us, and I'm convinced it's doing a lot of good."

Legacy memorials in Jim’s name are also being planned with Jim’s professional organizations. Future announcements will be shared through APA Division 50, CPDD, and NIDA.

Sincerest condolences from the CTN Dissemination Library to all those who knew and loved Dr. Sorensen.