Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services (CARS), Cayuga Health leadership, and staff supporters gathered for CARS’ 50th Anniversary Celebration at Hotel Ithaca on November 16th. During the event, Jason Wittman, M.P.S., the founder of CARS, was recognized for his achievement during his many years of providing care for youth and adults struggling with addiction.
Leaders of both organizations restated their commitment to enhance addiction recovery services throughout the region, initially announced in April 2021. The CARS and Cayuga Health affiliation has received conditional approval for affiliation from NYS and is pending final approval.
When asked about establishing an addiction recovery organization, Jason Wittman said, “I was initially inspired to found Alpha House from observing the continual cycle of arrest, incarceration, and release of those with substance use disorders. I wanted to create a more effective solution for recovery.”
“I am humbled and will be forever grateful that Jason Wittman had the vision and personal resolve to begin Ithaca Alpha House and bring critical residential treatment services to Tompkins County in 1972,” shared Jessica Janssen, CEO of CARS. “It is not easy now, and it certainly was not easy then, but Jason’s dream and dedication has enabled countless women and men to be safe, to make a fresh start, and to truly overcome substance use disorder.”
Some of the points of partnership highlighted during the evening included increased nursing and psychiatric support for CARS; enhanced clinical addiction recovery counseling services for Cayuga Health patients, and more efficient administrative and business operations.
“Our community has been fortunate to benefit from the compassionate, evidence-based clinical care that Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services has provided in a holistic and person-centered way for the past 50 years,” said Dr. Martin Stallone, President and CEO of Cayuga Health. “I continue to be, excited about how this partnership will create a more seamless experience along an expanded continuum of care for Cayuga Health patients, their families, and our communities.”
Leaders also shared their appreciation to Cayuga Health and Tompkins Community Bank for generously sponsoring the celebration.
About Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services
Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services (CARS) provides evidence-based Outpatient, Opioid Treatment Program, and Residential Rehabilitation services in Ithaca and Trumansburg, New York. CARS, operating under the oversight of the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), serves individuals throughout the Upstate New York region. Visit www.carsny.org for more information.
About Cayuga Health
Cayuga Health (CH) is a clinically integrated, regional health system that includes two hospitals, Cayuga Medical Center and Schuyler Hospital, as well as a multi-specialty group, Cayuga Medical Associates. Combined employment, including affiliate organizations, is over 2,500 employees. CH has clinical affiliations with Mayo Medical Laboratories, Rochester Regional Health for cardiac services, and the University of Rochester for neurosciences. Visit www.cayugahealth.org for more information.
Contact:
Steve Savage, Assistant Vice President for Communications
Cayuga Health
(607) 274-4284
Brad Walworth, Communications Manager
Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services
(607) 391-1041
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