Betty Ford Center

The history of the Betty Ford Center is part of the life story of our founder, former First Lady Betty Ford. After completing her own treatment for chemical dependency at the U. S. Naval Hospital in Long Beach, Mrs. Ford talked to her friends about the need for a treatment center that emphasized the special requirements of women. Her nice friend, Ambassador Leonard Firestone, encouraged Mrs. Ford to pursue her dream and in 1982, they co-established the non-profit Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California.