Treats More Than 150 Former Patients of The Recovery Connection Center of America
The Lifespan Recovery Center swiftly mobilized leadership and staff to address the needs of patients displaced earlier this year when The Recovery Connection Center of America (RCCA) suddenly closed, leaving many without a care provider, including 750 Rhode Islanders who relied on their services.
In response to an alert issued by The Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals asking treatment providers to step up and increase access to life-saving medications for addiction treatment, the Lifespan Recovery Center quickly implemented a comprehensive plan to ensure continuity of care for the approximately 1,500 patients left without substance use disorder treatment resulting from the closure.
“Guided by our mission to provide rapid access to treatment and support throughout the recovery process, we recognized the gravity of the situation and the significant crisis that could ensue. Our primary focus has always been on the well-being of our patients, and our dedicated and committed team is proud to have been able to step in and provide the necessary services throughout this challenging time," said Cecilia Fix, MD, director of Lifespan’s division of addiction medicine.
To accommodate the influx of patients and ensure continuity of care, the Lifespan Recovery Center's Division of Addiction Medicine promptly:
- Hired a nurse practitioner from RCCA and expedited onboarding and credentialing processes;
- Established convenient walk-in times from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday to offer patients greater flexibility in accessing treatment; and
- Provided care coordination services, assisting patients in setting up primary care and peer support networks.
Every former RCCA patient who sought care at the Lifespan Recovery Center was seen by a licensed clinician and underwent a comprehensive assessment to determine their safety and level of need. The Lifespan Recovery Center saw a 53-percent increase in new patient calls in March and a 20-perent increase in April – successfully treating approximately 171 patients who were previously receiving care at RCCA. These patients continue to receive ongoing medication maintenance and substance use/mental health counseling based on their individual needs and preferences.
“The response from the community was overwhelming, and the tireless efforts of our entire team ensured that no patient was left without the necessary care and support. The Lifespan Recovery Center remains committed to its mission of delivering high-quality addiction treatment and support services,” added Dr. Fix.