Drug and Alcohol Addiction Specialized Treatment Program for New Jersey’s First Responders and Military Service
Members Recognized for Serving Critical Need
Press Release 7/11/22
SOUTH AMBOY, N.J. – Recovery Centers of America at Raritan Bay (RCA), a drug and alcohol inpatient and outpatient treatment facility that serves communities in Northern New Jersey and the New York City area, today announced their Recovering Emergency Service Community United (RESCU) program has been named an honoree for the 2022 NJBIZ Healthcare Heroes Award in the “Innovation – Organization” category. The Healthcare Heroes awards program recognizes excellence, promotes innovation and honors the efforts of individuals and organizations making a significant impact on the quality of health care in New Jersey.
“We are honored that our RESCU program is being recognized as a Healthcare Hero in Innovation by NJBIZ, New Jersey’s leading business journal,” said Brian Gillespie, RESCU first responder treatment advocate. “With the tremendous need in this country for mental health and substance use disorders services, our staff at RESCU is dedicated to helping those first responders and military personnel who are suffering achieve a fulfilling life of meaningful recovery from drugs and alcohol.”
The honorees were chosen by a panel of independent judges and recognizes individuals and organizations across 12 categories. The innovation category honors companies or individuals primarily responsible for a medical science discovery or for the development of a new procedure, device, service, program or treatment that can save lives or improve the quality of life for a large number of people.
Recognizing an unmet need, RCA at Raritan Bay in 2021 created a specialized evidence-based drug and alcohol addiction treatment program for New Jersey’s first responders and military service members (active and retired). The RESCU program, led by U.S. veteran Gillespie, is a response to the difficulty those who rescue others face when their own lives require saving.
“Patients admitted to RESCU, a separate RCA at Raritan Bay unit, are part of an intimate community of individuals experiencing similar challenges due to the nature of their work,” said David Dorschu, chief executive officer, RCA at Raritan Bay. “The need for RESCU was particularly acute following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As first responders faced unprecedented pressure working on the front lines, their alcohol and drug use spiked.”
Created in collaboration with law enforcement and firefighters from across the state, treatment in the program includes private group therapy sessions, peer support groups, specific programming for first responder families, and individualized treatment led by a specially trained clinical team. Gillespie is a Marine veteran and retired Manasquan police officer who builds trust with first responders and demonstrates that long-lasting recovery is possible.
The Healthcare Heroes honorees will be recognized at a breakfast celebration on August 10 at The Palace at Somerset Park, Somerset, New Jersey.
Recovery Centers of America is accredited by the Joint Commission, CARF/ASAM and the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers. In addition to providing evidence-based inpatient treatment for SUD, outpatient treatment is also available at RCA at Raritan Bay, RCA at Lighthouse, at RCA outpatient facilities in Woodbridge, Voorhees, Somerdale, and Trenton, New Jersey, and at most other RCA locations. An extensive alumni supportnetwork as well as cultural, social and educational programs for former patients and others in recovery are also available.
All Recovery Centers of America locations admit new patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, with complimentary, discreet transportation and intervention services available. To obtain treatment and learn more, call 1-800-RECOVERY or click here.
