News Summary
Hoag Hospital has commenced construction on the CareMar Recovery Center in Newport Beach, a facility dedicated to tackling the addiction crisis. Funded by a $25 million donation, the center will provide comprehensive addiction treatment options, with a focus on tailored programs for various demographics. Set to open in 2027, the center aims to address increasing addiction rates and provide a compassionate approach to treatment, combating the stigma around addiction. This initiative also includes the establishment of an endowed chair in Addiction Medicine and Prevention, reinforcing Hoag’s commitment to advancing addiction care.
Newport Beach — Hoag Hospital has officially commenced construction on the CareMar Recovery Center, a dedicated facility aimed at addressing the escalating addiction crisis in the community. The groundbreaking event took place on Wednesday, marking a significant step toward enhancing addiction treatment options in the area. The CareMar Recovery Center is scheduled to open its doors in 2027, responding to urgent needs for comprehensive care amidst rising addiction rates.
The establishment of the CareMar Recovery Center was made possible through a generous $25 million donation from the Martin and Pickup families. This substantial contribution is set to play a crucial role in facilitating the construction and operational capabilities of the new center. According to Dr. Kambria Hittelman, the executive director of Hoag Addiction Treatment Centers, the facility will feature a residential center on the first floor, while the second floor will offer a range of outpatient services. These services include partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs designed to cater to various patient needs.
The CareMar Recovery Center is designed as a multifaceted facility, incorporating additional support services such as family programming, fellowship opportunities, and community outreach efforts. Furthermore, the center will create tailored programs for specific demographics, including gender-specific tracks, offerings targeting seniors, and groups focused on trauma-specific issues. This comprehensive strategy aims to provide a robust support network for individuals struggling with addiction.
In light of the increasing challenges posed by the addiction crisis, Robert Braithwaite, president and CEO of Hoag, emphasized the potential of the new center to serve as a beacon of hope for those affected by addiction. He likened the facility’s mission to that of the Betty Ford Center, recognizing its vital role in transforming addiction medicine.
The opioid crisis has significantly impacted communities across the nation, and Newport Beach is no exception. Recent statistics from the Orange County Health Care Agency reveal alarming trends, showing a threefold increase in opioid-related deaths in the region between 2017 and 2021. This spike has largely been attributed to the rising prevalence of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid that has led to an unprecedented increase in hospitalizations and fatalities related to substance misuse.
With the establishment of the CareMar Recovery Center, Hoag Hospital aims to expand its residential bed capacity from 21 to 38, significantly increasing its overall capacity for care. The facility is designed to not only provide a safe environment for recovery but also to actively combat the stigma that surrounds addiction. The perception of addiction as a moral failing, rather than a legitimate medical condition, has hindered many individuals from seeking necessary help. The CareMar Recovery Center intends to address these misconceptions and promote a more compassionate understanding of addiction as a treatable illness.
A variety of treatment modalities will be available at the center, including wellness activities and focused support tracks to meet the diverse needs of patients. Such an approach is essential for addressing the ongoing challenges of addiction and its co-existing medical conditions, which frequently complicate treatment and recovery outcomes.
In furtherance of its commitment to addiction treatment, Hoag has also announced the establishment of the Daniel G. Smith Endowed Chair in Addiction Medicine and Prevention. This initiative reflects a dedication to advancing research and educational efforts within the field of addiction care.
Melissa Smith, the wife of late addiction advocate Danny Smith, expressed gratitude for the establishment of the center, viewing it as a way to honor her husband’s legacy. The CareMar Recovery Center’s vision is to provide holistic, integrated treatment approaches, further positioning it as a critical resource in combating the ongoing addiction crisis faced by communities in Newport Beach and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Hoag Breaks Ground on Center for Substance Use Recovery
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Substance Use Recovery
- Patch: Groundbreaking for $25M CareMar Recovery Center Starts at Hoag
- Google Search: Addiction Treatment
- Orange County Business Journal: Hoag Breaks Ground on $25M CareMar Recovery Center
- Los Angeles Times: New Addiction Treatment Facility at Hoag Newport Beach
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COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
