Center for Addiction and Recovery Education

At a time when almost half of Americans’ lives have been affected by addiction, Saint Joseph’s University has announced the formation of the Center for Addiction Recovery and Education (CARE) to address one of the nation’s most pressing issues and confront the stigma of substance abuse disorder through a strategic four-part mission: educate healthcare providers and the community, conduct interdisciplinary research on addiction issues, advocate for effective public policy, and activate community engagement.

Making an impact on addiction and recovery takes more than the efforts of any one group. CARE focuses on fostering meaningful dialogue and creating action by engaging a diverse but interrelated group of stakeholders.

CARE’S STRATEGIC FOCUS

Center for Addiction and Recovery Education work will promote understanding of addiction and seek to reduce its impact across all layers of society through a four-part mission:

EDUCATION

• Embedding addiction and recovery education in Saint Joseph’s curriculum
• Creating new academic offerings 
• Providing training and educational services to professional associations and employers

RESEARCH

• Examining the root causes and impact of addiction and best practice models in recovery
• Developing intellectual property befitting an interdisciplinary thinktank

PUBLIC POLICY

• Influencing how addiction is treated and how it impacts the perception of addiction and recovery
• Promoting policies that reduce the impact of addiction on society, including model drug laws and national legislation
• Spearheading efforts to make addiction competency a workplace norm and requirement

ENGAGEMENT

• Supporting those impacted by addiction through all stages of the recovery journey
• Hosting events to bring awareness of the impact of addiction and hope for recovery

The Center was formed under the direction of Peter A. Clark, S.J., Ph.D., professor of medical ethics and director of the University’s Institute for Clinical Bioethics. Fr. Clark spearheads cutting-edge work in addiction issues in his role as director, most recently leading an interdisciplinary group that published a model for safe injection sites in Philadelphia. CARE will build on and extend the work of the Institute.

CARE will be led by Stephen J. Forzato who was selected to lead the Center as its inaugural director. With more than three decades of experience, Forzato is an expert in the opioid epidemic and has served as a consultant to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s investigation of pharmaceutical manufacturers and oversaw investigations involving unlawful proscribing. He has briefed and trained numerous groups of community members, including educators, corporate executives and medical professionals, on current substance use disorder trends and identifying addiction in the workplace. He received his master’s in criminal justice, intelligence and analysis from Saint Joseph’s and bachelor’s in administration of justice from Pennsylvania State University.

Making an impact on addiction and recovery takes more than the efforts of any one group. The Center for Addiction and Recovery Education (CARE) focuses on meaningful dialogue and creating action by engaging a diverse but interrelated group of stakeholders. Below are local, regional and national resources that anyone can access.

• Saint Joseph's University Resources
  • Saint Joseph's Wellness Initiatives
  • WADE Student Resources
  • Student Outreach and Support
  • Student Success
  • The Flock 
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
  • Substance Use Treatment Locator
  • Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator

If you have questions or would like more information on the Center for Addiction and Recovery Education: 

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