National, state and community leaders joined for a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 45 Royal Little Drive, Providence, to celebrate the grand opening of CODAC’s new integrated healthcare center – a new chapter in whole-person care and addiction treatment.
The event was emceed by former Rhode Island State Police Colonel Brendan Doherty and included a speaking program from distinguished guests: The Honorable Jack Reed, U.S. Senator; The Honorable Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Senator; The Honorable Daniel McKee, Governor, State of Rhode Island; The Honorable Peter Neronha, Attorney General, State of Rhode Island; The Honorable K. Joseph Shekarchi, Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives; The Honorable Jake Bissaillon, Senator, State of Rhode Island; The Honorable Brett Smiley, Mayor, City of Providence; Sandra DelSesto, Chair, CODAC Board of Directors; Linda Hurley, President and CEO, CODAC.
CODAC’s new community care center offers comprehensive health services, including physical exams, preventative care, management of chronic conditions, and treatment for substance use disorders with a specialty in opioid use disorder treatment and recovery support. All care is centered around CODAC’s belief that wellness is achieved through the integration of mental, physical, and emotional care.
The new, 20,628-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility allows for a whole-person care approach to ensure all patients receive the necessary support to maintain both physical well-being and a path to recovery.
CODAC President and CEO Linda Hurley explained how the new healthcare center achieved a lifelong goal for her and the organization. “A critical component in stemming the tide of the overdose crisis has been access. As a provider, we understand that in order to engage an individual in care, we need to be where they are, when they need it. Whether it’s in the correctional facilities, disenfranchised communities, in the city, or in the suburbs, CODAC has made its mission about being accessible to those in need. Not only are we providing mental health and primary care services, but we’re providing whole person care by bringing together social services through our partner providers.”
Hurley recognized the significant contribution of Rhode Island’s federal delegation, in particular, Senator Jack Reed.
“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 healthcare 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. This is a nationwide problem that requires federal assistance and so 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,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed.
“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 $750,000 in federal funding to support CODAC’s new patient center, a bright space befitting the heroic work that happens there,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, author of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) and CARA 2.0.
Governor Daniel McKee recognized CODAC for its many first in the nation achievements.
“Resources like CODAC’s new health care center are providing a pathway to better communities, and a road to recovery for those in need,” said Governor Dan McKee. “As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, Rhode Island continues its efforts to address the substance abuse epidemic and to improve overall health and well-being outcomes for our residents.”
“CODAC provides compassionate, whole-person care for its patients, which is why its model is so effective in helping individuals attain long-term recovery. Congratulations to CODAC on this exciting expansion, which will broaden access to wraparound services and help more Rhode Islanders in a very meaningful way,” said House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi.
Senator Jacob E. Bissaillon, Chairman, Senate Committee on Housing & Municipal Government, offered remarks on behalf of the Rhode Island Senate. “CODAC Behavioral Healthcare does outstanding work across Rhode Island, and the opening of the Royal Little care center and headquarters will have so many benefits for Providence and our entire state. On behalf of President Lawson and the Rhode Island Senate, I want to express thanks to the team at CODAC, to Senators Reed and Whitehouse for their efforts to support this project, and to the many other leaders, advocates, and community members who have made this new facility possible. It will make an incredible difference in thousands of lives in the years to come.”
“The opening of CODAC Behavioral Health in Providence represents an important step forward in how we care for our community. By providing access to wraparound services, we’re ensuring that individuals receive the comprehensive care they need to heal and succeed,” said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “As we empower our neighbors, it’s critical that we continue to invest in holistic, compassionate care, which is the work CODAC Health champions in our city daily. Providence is proud to support our local partners as we continue to build a healthier and safer community for all who live here.”
Community partners who will have dedicated space include Brown University School of Public Health; University of Massachusetts, Chan School of Medicine; Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training; Rhode Island Department of Corrections; Rhode Island Department of Health & Human Services; HOPE Initiative and Re-Entry; and Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island.
“This collaboration with CODAC is at the heart of Neighborhood’s mission to serve Rhode Islanders. CODAC’s programs and partnerships at the new Providence facility are designed to break down barriers to high quality behavioral health treatment and recovery services for those who need it most,” said Peter Marino, President & CEO of Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island. “Neighborhood’s Care Management and Community Outreach teams are excited to be on site to meet members in person to collaborate with the CODAC team on patients’ care plans, explain how to access health insurance, and offer support in connecting with other social services,” he said.
CODAC’s new headquarters will serve over 3,000 patients, providing medical expansion with its new suite of services:
6 medical examination rooms
7 consultation rooms
14 behavioral health offices
3 group treatment rooms
Peer recovery and harm reduction center
Community Pharmacy
Training and community space
Administrative offices
Community service provider offices
Employee & community wellness center
Training and community room.
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