Recovery Centers of America (RCA) Capital Region, a Maryland-based substance use disorder treatment facility located less than an hour from Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia, has been recognized as a certified Overdose Response Program (ORP) by the Maryland Department of Health Center for Harm Reduction Services (MDH CHRS). This certification, valid for two years, grants RCA Capital Region access to free naloxone from MDH CHRS, overdose education and naloxone distribution training, and technical assistance. The facility plans to conduct naloxone demonstrations and distribute the medication at various events both onsite and off campus.
Naloxone, known commercially as Narcan®, is a medication that attaches to opioid receptors, rapidly reversing and blocking the effects of opioids. It is critical in restoring normal breathing during an opioid overdose. According to the MDH Vital Statistics Administration, preliminary data shows that Maryland had 2,456 fatal overdoses between February 2023 and January 2024, a decrease from 2,560 in the previous year. By becoming an ORP, RCA Capital Region joins a network of MDH-approved agencies and organizations focused on reducing opioid overdose fatalities through naloxone education and distribution.
“Certification as an Overdose Response Program represents a significant step in RCA Capital Region’s ongoing efforts to address the opioid crisis,” said Fredericka Ford, chief executive officer of RCA Capital Region. “Having the ability to provide crucial training further empowers our dedicated team of addiction treatment experts as we continue our mission to make a difference in the community and save lives. We applaud the State of Maryland and look forward to collaborating with local partners to expand the reach and impact of this critical program.”
As an ORP, RCA Capital Region is mandated to hold training sessions to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to recognize an overdose and effectively use naloxone. These sessions cover various aspects, including identifying opioid overdose symptoms, proper naloxone administration, rescue breathing techniques, the importance of contacting emergency medical services, and post-administration care.
“Our designation as an Overdose Response Program is a reflection of our commitment to combating the opioid crisis by taking a harm-reduction, public health approach,” said Dr. Carolyn Thangawng, RCA Capital Region medical director. “We are helping to disseminate life-saving knowledge and medication to people who use opioids and bystanders to prevent overdoses. Naloxone saturation in communities has been demonstrated to reduce overdose deaths.”
Located near Washington, D.C., RCA Capital Region serves patients and families from the surrounding areas and beyond. The facility holds accreditations from the Joint Commission and the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers. It has also been named a “Best U.S. Addiction Treatment Facility in Maryland” by Newsweek for four consecutive years.
RCA Capital Region offers a comprehensive range of care options, including medically supervised withdrawal, residential inpatient care, and outpatient care with both in-person and telehealth options. The facility also provides outpatient care inclusive of medications for addiction treatment, catering to the unique recovery journey and needs of each patient.
