In nearly 60 years, the Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services has grown from its humble beginnings in an indescribable brick storefront on East Fourth Street to a provider of drug treatment that its small group of founders would not recognize today. .

CADAS, nestled along Cherokee Boulevard on the North Shore on 4.4 acres, has worked quietly, out of the spotlight and in partnership with many local organizations, law enforcement, government and organizations in nonprofit to tackle one of the most complex and complex challenges in society: drug addiction and alcohol. CADAS offers treatment services that cover the widest range of options, including residential programs for adults and adolescents, transitional housing, day treatment, outpatient treatment, and sober and supportive housing alternatives. The organization serves approximately 2,200 people per year.

“The stigma is less, and we are grateful for this progress,” said Executive Director Paul Fuchcar. “Drug addiction is a disease for which there is a cure that allows you to lead a full and healthy life. We want to share this message of strength, hope and experience.”

The fact that CADAS has grown into a stable and resilient organization is a testament to the vision of its founders, the dedication of longtime board members and their stewards, professional and enthusiastic staff and passionate executive leadership. , according to several nominations CADAS has received for Community Outreach Champion. health care this year.

“CADAS was born out of a self-help movement when traditional medicine met its equal in the field of addiction,” writes Dr. John Standridge, a family medicine specialist who has worked as a medical director. “Our clients are desperate and often in painful withdrawal. Our counselors offer hope and advice for a new way of life.”

CADAS fulfills a vital role in the community as it offers its services to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.

This public service mission requires financial discipline, which was refined after the virtual closure of CADAS in 1998, according to Fuchcar, who has headed the organization for 18 years.

“An anonymous donor stepped forward and pulled us out of the fire,” he says. “From that, our board has learned to be a high level board. The financial report comes first.

CADAS is well positioned to meet the next surge in demand for its services thanks to more than a year of hardship the pandemic has placed on thousands of residents in the region, he said.

“People stayed at home and they stayed in their addiction,” explains Fuchcar. “There was and there are economic pressures, isolation and a lack of structure.”

The acuity of the patients is more severe than ever, he adds.

“We see more [intravenous] and opioid drug users, pregnant women, veterans, “he says.” At least 80% have concurrent disorders, including hypertension, diabetes, depression, anxiety, psychosis and the disorder. bipolar. “

In his appointment, Standridge praises the clinical skills and commitment of staff to providing clients with safety, structure, key ideas and action plans as they move towards a life of sobriety. Staff members approach their work as a vocation; it is rewarding work, but not easy, he writes.

“CADAS recognizes a community problem, then stands up to face it,” he writes. It is “a distinguished example of community outreach service in the region – a true champion of health care.”

2021 HEALTHCARE CHAMPIONS

* 2021 Healthcare Champions: Extraordinary Service Through Troubled Times

* 2021 Healthcare Champions: Hathaway Harvey – Work of a Lifetime

* 2021 Healthcare Champions: Dr 2021 Healthcare Champions: Dr Andrea Willis – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

* 2021 Healthcare Champions: Holly Gadd – Healthcare Volunteer

* 2021 Healthcare Champions: Michael Greer – Physician – Academic

* 2021 Healthcare Champions: Lori Hammon – non-physician practitioner

* 2021 Healthcare Champions: Dr. Michele Pickett – Physician – Community

* 2021 Healthcare Champions: Deborah Deal – Administrative Excellence

* 2021 Healthcare Champions: Dr Keith Helton – Healthcare Innovation

* 2021 Healthcare Champions: Brynn Byers – Rising Star

* Chris Ramsey: Remembering a giant of community health care outreach

* Take your photo: Health care and community outreach teams collaborate on immunization efforts