PAWTUCKET – Since opening its doors in the city in March, CODAC Behavioral Healthcare has seen more than 60 new patients seeking help with recovery from substance use disorder, according to its president and CEO, Linda Hurley.
The organization as a whole has seen a 30% uptick in its patient base.
Hurley shared the updates during a recent tour of the Pawtucket facility by state and local officials that included Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., and Carlos Lopez Estrada, chief of staff for Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien.
“Ease of access and space has allowed us to offer special programming, as well as opioid dependence services to a wider community,” Hurley said. “With the continued support of Sen. Whitehouse and other state leaders, I am confident that we can expand treatment capacity across the state.”
Hurley added that CODAC can provide assistance to the city, which is about to launch Safe Stations, a program that allows people struggling with substance use all-hours access to help at fire stations.
CODAC is involved in several projects across Rhode Island, including support of R.I. State Police’s Hope Initiative, and a collaboration with the University of Rhode Island, where CODAC is offering integrated medical services for substance use disorder on the “Rhode to Health” mobile medical unit.
“As the opioid crisis sweeps the country, we can take pride in what is happening in Rhode Island, “ Whitehouse said. “Rhode Island has been a leader in treatment and recovery, and the result is that we are starting to reduce the level of opioid overdoses.”
