As CEO of Recovery Centers of America (RCA) Capital Region, I recently testified before the Committee on Health’s Budget Oversight Hearing on the FY 2025 Budget Oversight of the Department of Behavioral Health. I aimed to spotlight the ongoing opioid crisis plaguing neighborhoods across the DMV, urging unified action to combat the epidemic’s devastating effects.
For nearly a decade, RCA has been at the forefront of providing evidence-based treatment for substance and alcohol use disorders and addressing co-occurring mental health conditions. With 11 inpatient facilities, including our center here in Waldorf, Maryland, we witness the profound impact of addiction on patients and families every day.
Still, the statistics continue to shock us. The District of Columbia alone saw a record-setting 12 percent increase in fatal opioid overdoses in 2023, with 518 deaths (DC Office of the Medical Examiner’s March 2024 report). This echoes a nationwide trend driven by potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) provisional data). RCA Capital Region stands ready to partner with the District to address this crisis.
Our approach is rooted in evidence-based practices and patient-centered care. At RCA Capital Region, our comprehensive model integrates proven therapeutic modalities, including the 12-step recovery program, dialectical behavioral therapy, medication for addiction treatment, family involvement and alumni support.
To reduce harm and promote community engagement, RCA Capital Region recently achieved certification as an Overdose Response Program. This initiative will make the overdose-reversing drug naloxone (known by the brand name Narcan) readily available to patients, families and staff. In addition to equipping discharged patients with Narcan kits for sustained safety beyond our center’s walls, we are committed to providing Narcan training to all. This outreach is critical considering the rising opioid deaths in the region – especially among young people – as reported by the CDC.
For those who seek help, RCA’s care model features tailored pathways, core tenets and a full continuum of care, empowering individuals on personalized recovery journeys. Our outcomes surpass national benchmarks, with lower readmission rates and higher patient satisfaction.
I’m excited to share these results and pledge our continued support to work together. I extend our gratitude to the D.C. City Council and area community partners for the opportunity to collaborate on solutions that save lives.