CODAC Behavioral Healthcare helps connect Mayor Jorge Elorza to families affected by the opioid crisis
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (September 20, 2018) — Healthcare providers, individuals, families, city, and state leaders convened at Roger Williams National Memorial in Providence on Saturday, Sept. 15, for the annual Rally4Recovery, an event that serves as an outlet to openly discuss the opioid epidemic without the stigma that often accompanies such conversations. As people moved between tables and listened to the impassioned speeches from elected officials, CODAC Behavioral Healthcare helped Mayor Jorge Elorza put a human face on the addiction and recovery community.
“The outpouring of support from city and state leaders has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Linda Hurley, President/CEO of CODAC Behavioral Healthcare. “People I have spoken to have said the event has helped them realize that there is an entire community dedicated to helping them on their path to recovery. I am proud our efforts have encouraged people to come forward to say they feel more comfortable speaking about substance use disorder.”
Rally4Recovery is the largest recovery event of the year that is organized with the intention of spreading awareness and support for people in recovery. The Providence-based rally is one of four rallies held throughout the state during the month of September to coincide with National Recovery Month. Hundreds of people participated at this year’s Providence rally, which some healthcare providers say illustrates the scope of the opioid epidemic in Rhode Island.
“The only way we can put folks on the path to recovery is by letting them know that they are supported, they are loved, and that there is a community behind them that is going to stand with them to help them through the process. What we are all doing here today is so important,” Mayor Elorza said. He noted that Saturday’s crowds should reinforce the message that, “we are all working together on this issue.”
Having attended Rally4Recovery events in Providence for several years in a row, Mayor Elorza has been a strong advocate for the recovery community. He recently spearheaded an initiative called PVD Safe Stations that helps connect individuals, who have a substance use disorder, to treatment and recovery services in the area. People can receive this support at any of Providence’s fire stations, 24 hours a day.
Hurley met with Mayor Elorza shortly after his speech to introduce him to a young woman who appeared to be in her 20s, and who was in treatment for opioid use disorder. She spoke candidly about her experience with addiction, and why the event was meaningful to her and her family.
Hurley, who has a career that spans more than 25 years in the fields of addiction and behavioral healthcare, was recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Aquidneck Rally4Recovery committee for her relentless work in improving the lives of people in recovery. Some of her recent achievements include partnering with the RI Department of Corrections to implement an opioid treatment program that was touted as a national model by Brown University faculty. She also spearheaded efforts to attain Center of Excellence designations at all CODAC sites, which are located throughout the entire state of Rhode Island including Providence.
Other city and state leaders that showed their support at the rally included Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Lt. Gov. Dan McKee, U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin, Rep. Grace Diaz, and former senator and radio host John J. Tassoni, Jr. Each of them echoed what counselors have been saying, which is that there is hope in recovery and that individuals have several places where they can go to receive treatment.
Representatives from CODAC Behavioral Healthcare, Newport Hope Recovery Center, Care New England, Hospital Association of RI, BHDDH, PVD stations and more were at the event to help celebrate the people and caregivers that have devoted themselves to this population. The event also featured live entertainment, music, and food from various vendors.
“If you feel something isn’t right with you or you are frightened for a family member, CODAC wants people to know that any service that works for a family or an individual is the correct service,” Hurley said. “We want individuals to know that we are a community partner that is dedicated to erasing the stigma associated with addiction. By participating in this event, we are demonstrating our commitment to connect people with organizations and elected officials that can help address their specific needs.”
About CODAC Behavioral Healthcare
Founded in 1971, CODAC Behavioral Healthcare is Rhode Island’s oldest and largest provider of outpatient services for opioid use disorder, other substance use disorders, and concurrent behavioral health challenges. With eight locations across Rhode Island, CODAC is uniquely positioned to provide services when and where they are needed. For more information about CODAC, visit: www.codacinc.org
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