May 5, 2025
PROVIDENCE – CODAC Behavioral Healthcare has notched some impressive firsts in its 54 years as the state’s oldest and largest outpatient provider of treatment for opioid use disorder.
Story by Katie Mulvaney, Providence Journal • 2w • 6 min read
Read the full story at MSN
In 2016, CODAC became the first opioid treatment program in the United States designated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration as a home health provider, meaning the organization could deliver wrap-around clinical services to patients.
That same year, the nonprofit partnered with the state Department of Corrections to roll out a program to screen all inmates for opioid use and provide treatment in the form of all FDA-approved medications to those in need – care that continues long after release.
Six years later, CODAC became the first opioid treatment program to use a mobile methadone clinic under new Drug Enforcement Administration regulations.
And on Monday, May 19, CODAC will unveil yet another first: Their new community health care center at 45 Royal Little Drive in Providence.
“What we are doing is providing integrated care for the community,” said Linda Hurley, president and CEO at CODAC.
Everything from a pharmacy to yoga classes
And what does that mean, practically speaking? A lot.
In addition to being able to get critical doses of medication to help them reduce the use of opiates or quit altogether, patients will be able to access psychiatric and psychological services, meet with a probation officer, receive medical care in seven specialties, pick up prescriptions and even take a yoga class. Not to mention, visitors will be able to grab food from a pantry in partnership with the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, if needed.
“What we are asking is, 'What do you need?'” Hurley said. “That’s how you build relationships.”
All care is centered around CODAC’s belief that wellness is achieved through the integration of mental, physical and emotional care.
New center is built on partnerships
<response-element ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><link-block class="ng-star-inserted">Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island</link-block></response-element> was among the first to sign on.
“CODAC has been a great partner for us for a long time,” Neighborhood CEO Peter Marino said. “Linda and her team do such a terrific job. It was a natural fit.”
Neighborhood, the state’s largest Medicaid provider, has a member services office at the site to link patients with needed care and case management. Telma Gonzalez, a Neighborhood member services provider, was on hand during a recent tour.
The idea, Marino said, is to create, in essence, a one-stop shop for patients.
“It’s hard enough for our members, given the challenges they face," he said. "Let’s make it easy.”
According to Hurley, about 93% of CODAC’s 3,000-plus patients rely on Medicaid, the vast majority through <response-element ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><link-block class="ng-star-inserted">Neighborhood</link-block></response-element>.
“They’re helping me by supporting members with questions,” Hurley said.
Seven medical specialties, dentistry and more
The center builds upon so many other foundational relationships.
The pharmacy at the center will be operated by <response-element ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><link-block class="ng-star-inserted">Horizon Pharmacy</link-block></response-element>. That means that a mother can head there to pick up antibiotics to treat her child’s strep throat. Diabetics can grab medications to manage blood sugar levels. A person struggling can fill their antidepressants prescription.
“You don’t need a mental health issue or substance use disorder to use this,” Hurley said. “We provide all medications for all disorders.”
In addition to primary care, seven medical specialties will be available to patients, including healthy aging, pain management, gender-affirming care, obstetrics and treatment for infectious diseases, such as HIV, syphilis and hepatitis. All insurance is accepted, and the center boasts six exam rooms in its medical suite.
CareLink will provide dentistry at the facility and podiatry, Hurley said.
The <response-element ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><link-block class="ng-star-inserted">state Department of Labor & Training</link-block></response-element> has an office where guests will be able to access career and employment counseling. <response-element ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><link-block class="ng-star-inserted">East Bay Recovery Center</link-block></response-element> will offer peer recovery support services and outreach. The <response-element ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><link-block class="ng-star-inserted">state Department of Health and Human Services</link-block></response-element> will give guidance on supplemental nutrition and benefits for women, infants and children. The <response-element ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><link-block class="ng-star-inserted">Heroin-Opioid Prevention Effort Initiative</link-block></response-element>, or HOPE Initiative, also has office space to connect people who overdose with treatment and resources within 72 hours of an overdose.
Probation and parole services will be accessible on-site through the state Department of Corrections.
And people can bring illicit substances in for testing to ensure they are not spiked with the animal tranquilizer xylazine or other contaminants, Hurley said.
"There are unhoused people everywhere," Hurley said. "We need to help them."
RIPTA adds bus stops
The <response-element ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><link-block class="ng-star-inserted">Rhode Island Public Transit Authority</link-block></response-element> also stepped up, adding two bus stops on Silver Spring Street to enable patients to more easily access the center.
“RIPTA is a lifeline for many Rhode Islanders, and we’re always looking for ways to better serve our communities,” <response-element ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><link-block class="ng-star-inserted">RIPTA</link-block></response-element> Chief Executive Officer Christopher Durand said in a statement. “Transportation barriers can prevent people from accessing the supportive services they need. By adding a bus stop near a recovery center, we’re helping to remove one of the biggest obstacles to treatment and supporting better health outcomes across the state.”
Federal assistance buoys project
CODAC purchased the former Triple A building in 2022 for $2 million, city property records show.
The project – a first of its kind in the nation, says Hurley – got an infusion of $2.2 million in federal assistance over three years, thanks to earmarks secured by <response-element ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><link-block class="ng-star-inserted">U.S. Sens. Jack Reed</link-block></response-element> and <response-element ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><link-block class="ng-star-inserted">Sheldon Whitehouse</link-block></response-element>.
“Due to things like stigma and lack of access, it’s incredibly difficult to overcome addiction or seek treatment for mental health issues. A state-of-the-art facility for integrated health care like this can be a beacon of hope and a one-stop shop for assistance, increasing the odds of better outcomes and connecting people to the range of help they need,” <response-element ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><link-block class="ng-star-inserted">Reed</link-block></response-element> said in a statement.
<response-element ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><link-block class="ng-star-inserted">Reed</link-block></response-element>, a member of the Appropriations Committee, emphasized that the opioid crisis is a nationwide problem that requires federal assistance.
“We’re here to do our part. But the real credit goes to those on the frontlines, the people who work here, the people who seek help here, and everyone who has the courage to ask for help and doesn’t give up hope. This is tough stuff. Having a welcoming, accessible, professional, first-rate facility like this is a step in the right direction that will save lives and make a world of difference,” he continued.
“Many of the people coming through CODAC’s doors are facing the most difficult time in their lives, and they are welcomed with compassion and care. I was very glad to secure a significant federal investment to support CODAC’s new patient center, a bright space befitting the heroic work that happens there,”
<response-element ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><link-block class="ng-star-inserted">Whitehouse</link-block></response-element>, author of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) and CARA 2.0, said in the statement.
<response-element ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><link-block class="ng-star-inserted">Whitehouse</link-block></response-element> and <response-element ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><link-block class="ng-star-inserted">Reed</link-block></response-element> are expected to attend the ribbon-cutting, along with <response-element ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><link-block class="ng-star-inserted">Gov. Dan McKee</link-block></response-element>, <response-element ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><link-block class="ng-star-inserted">House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi</link-block></response-element>, <response-element ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><link-block class="ng-star-inserted">Attorney General Peter F. Neronha</link-block></response-element> and <response-element ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><link-block class="ng-star-inserted">Providence Mayor Brett Smiley</link-block></response-element>.
'Whatever they need'
A recent tour of the 21,000-square-foot facility revealed a sparkling-clean space with artsy touches, all bathed in natural light.
A sign at the entrance directs people to the dosing center at the rear of the building. There, people have been able to receive their medication since January, starting at 5:30 a.m. on weekdays, in just minutes.<source-footnote ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"></source-footnote> Several patients were greeted by staff on a recent morning.
“It has a much different look from a methadone clinic,” Hurley said.
The site has two stations for people to get food, including a freezer, so provisions can be taken home. There is a calming room for guests to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee as they await appointments.
Offices line the hallways, each bearing a different design on the door and an identifying tag. There are two “hoteling” rooms, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, for meetings or training, which can be rented or used for free by businesses and agencies. Computers are available for patients to work on résumés. In total, CODAC has three rooms available for rent for training or meetings, creating a new revenue stream for the organization.
Hurley marveled at one room, where wood-paneled walls were designed without corners, encouraging reconciliation and integration.
“Our meetings are not always easy,” she said.
The walls will eventually be adorned with inspirational quotes. Yoga, tai chi and stretching classes will take place in a vast wellness center, and Hurley envisions a patio space for staff to eat and grab some fresh air. Administrative offices and staff quarters are located apart from the areas where patients congregate, to ensure privacy. In time, raised beds and a greenhouse will be built on a slice of lawn at the rear of the center.
<response-element ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><link-block class="ng-star-inserted">Neighborhood</link-block></response-element> CEO Marino encouraged other players in the health care industry to take a close look at CODAC’s model.
“We’re confident it will be a success,” Marino said.
This article originally appeared on <response-element ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><link-block class="ng-star-inserted">The Providence Journal</link-block></response-element>: <response-element ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><link-block class="ng-star-inserted">A new Providence care center has food, doctors and even yoga. Here's why it's needed.</link-block></response-element>
