Centerstone applauds introduction of innovative legislation to combat the nation’s growing opioid crisis

Washington, DC (March 11, 2023) — The Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers (CORC) Reauthorization Act has been introduced by U.S. Representatives Guthrie (R-KY), Bucshon (R-IN), and Peters (D-CA). The CORC program was initially introduced in 2018, as part of the federal SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, and was initially authorized for four years. This legislation will authorize the program for an additional four years as well as expand the number of CORC demonstrations nationwide. Per the legislation, CORC programs are required to offer, either directly or through partnerships, the full range of person-centered addiction treatment options. Treatment options include detoxification, relapse prevention, counseling and recovery services and peer supports, and all FDA-approved medication assisted treatments to generate meaningful, data-driven outcomes.

According to Centerstone, which operates one of the nation’s five existing CORC programs, this legislation is critically needed as the nation’s opioid crisis continues to claim lives. “In 2021, more than 107,000 Americans died from drug overdoses, and since 2001 more than 1 million Americans have died from overdoses,” stated Lauren Conaboy, vice president of national policy with Centerstone. “Innovative approaches, specifically programs that expand access and focus on the science of care, are urgently needed. That’s why we, at Centerstone, applaud the bipartisan leadership of Representatives Guthrie, Bucshon, and Peters to advance Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers.”

Currently there are five of these demonstration programs nationwide. Through today’s introduction of the Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers (CORC) Reauthorization Act lawmakers are seeking to expand this program to establish ten centers nationwide.

“Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers provide a full continuum of treatment services all the way from medically supervised detoxification to housing and job placement support,” stated Jennifer Fillmore, director of substance use disorder services at Centerstone. “This innovative program has allowed us to develop critical partnerships throughout our provider community in Indiana to truly break down the silos in addiction medicine and ensure that individuals receive the person-centered treatment they need to support their recovery.”

According to the legislation, all centers would report treatment outcomes as well as the effectiveness of interventions, providing important perspectives on best practices that can be deployed nationwide.

“Today, a patient seeking treatment for a substance use disorder (SUD) may receive different treatment protocols based on where they present for treatment. In some cases, the protocol might be only medication or only counseling; in others, it might be a combination of treatments. This approach to addiction treatment stands in stark contrast to the standards of care currently routinely offered for other health conditions,” stated Conaboy.

Fillmore concluded, noting that “Through this grant we’ve seen an astonishing 70% reduction in unemployment from baseline to 6-month follow-up. To us, this demonstrates that when you truly approach treatment and recovery from a patient-centered lens, interventions can change lives.”

About Centerstone
Centerstone is a nonprofit health system providing mental health and substance use disorder treatments. Services are available nationally through the operation of outpatient clinics, residential programs, the use of telehealth and an inpatient hospital. Centerstone also features specialized programs for the military community, therapeutic foster care, children’s services and employee assistance programs. Centerstone’s Research Institute provides guidance through research and technology, leveraging the best practices for use in all our communities. Centerstone’s Foundation secures philanthropic resources to support the work and mission of delivering care that changes people’s lives.

For more information or to set-up an interview, please contact mediainquiries@centerstone.org.