kathy ireland Worldwide Partners with Ascension Recovery Services

Ascension Recovery Services (Ascension RS) has announced their recent partnership with kathy ireland Worldwide (kiWW) for the development of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment centers across the country. The kathy ireland recovery centers will be operated by Ascension RS and the first treatment center will be in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. The first program will open mid-2021, followed by programs in five additional states this year. The partnership’s mission is to expand access to care by opening these comprehensive, person-centered SUD treatment centers across the country providing for all who need treatment, regardless of insurance type or ability to pay, advancing behavioral health equity.

“Our partnership with Kathy and all of the wonderful folks at kiWW will allow us to expand access to equitable, affordable and quality care more rapidly and on a much larger scale, as we leverage our unique resources and capabilities in this synergistic collaboration,” says Douglas M. Leech, founder and chief executive officer, Ascension RS. “Kathy is named one of the top 10 women’s health advocates by UCLA and her work as the International Youth Chair for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, along with being an ambassador and major donor for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, clearly demonstrates Kathy’s commitment to the health and wellness of all people. We began working with kiWW in 2020 to develop a comprehensive solution for expanding access to care for SUD and co-occurring physical and mental health disorders on a national scale. This partnership will play a critical role in addressing the converging crises of SUD and COVID-19, which have exacerbated the negative strain on the healthcare industry, economy and the population struggling with SUD and co-occurring disorders.”

“Each of us has, will or is engaged in the war on addiction,” says Kathy Ireland, chair and chief executive officer, kathy ireland Worldwide. “It is not a health crisis that anyone can avoid confronting in some form. Whether that confrontation is the addiction of ourselves or people in our lives, the nightmare is present. Expanding our company’s health advocacy into the area of mental health and substance use disorder has been a long-held, top-priority goal for our company and each of us individually. Substance Use Disorder does not discriminate, and unfortunately, access to quality treatment isn’t available to everyone equally. The COVID-19 pandemic has also caused a surge in alcohol and drug-related use with the virus also eroding social support systems that are critical for an individual in recovery. Doug and the incredible professionals at Ascension share our vision of providing quality and effective treatment for SUD and mental health disorders to all who need it, especially people in underserved areas who do not have access to treatment. This partnership will truly help save and change lives. This relationship is of critical importance to our country, our family, our colleagues and friends.”

“We are beyond grateful to live Kathy’s passion for recovery in the mental and physical battle of addiction,” said Jon Carrasco, worldwide creative director, kathy ireland Worldwide and Stephen Roseberry, president and chief marketing officer, kathy ireland Worldwide in a joint statement. “This crisis has impacted both of our families and lives in the most personal ways. For Kathy to step forward and embrace Ascension and its mission will, we believe, heal many families and save countless lives. We congratulate Ascension, Kathy and everyone at kathy ireland Worldwide, including Tommy Meharey, who negotiated the relationship, and Steve Glick, who together, will report to Kathy and support the powerful co-management of this venture. kathy ireland Recovery Centers are dedicated to providing the needed treatment options and support to promote sustained personal recovery, enabling individuals to lead independent and self-sufficient lives.”

If you or someone you know needs help for a substance use disorder, contact SAMHSA.gov or call 800-662-HELP (4357) to find a treatment center near you.