Higher than average drug use among Rhode Island’s youth underscores need for recovery efforts

PROVIDENCE, RI – Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) has again awarded a $20,000 grant to The Providence Center (TPC) to support the operations and future growth of Rhode Island’s first teen recovery center: The Jim Gillen Teen Center. BCBSRI first supported the development of the center with a $20,000 grant awarded in late 2017 as part of the insurer’s continued commitment to addressing the opioid epidemic in Rhode Island.

The center, established in 2018, provides evidence-based, age-appropriate recovery support for adolescents to help combat disproportionate relapse rates. According to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rhode Island has one of the highest rates of drug use for 12 to 17 year olds at 15.1 percent, compared to the national average of 9.2 percent.

“Substance use disorders continue to have devastating effects in our state, especially among adolescents," said Gus Manocchia, M.D., BCBSRI chief medical officer. “Blue Cross commends The Providence Center for maintaining focus on this particularly vulnerable population as the opioid epidemic continues to impact countless Rhode Island families. There is no question that by better supporting the behavioral health needs of our teens, we hope to set them on a path of health and wellness far into the future."

With youth-specific programming, the Jim Gillen Teen Center blends elements of the Alternative Peer Group (APG) and recovery center models.  This evidence-based strategy is based on the assumption that for young people, peer relationships – much like the ones that can initiate and support drug use – are necessary to facilitate recovery through positive peer pressure to reduce risky behaviors and support abstinence. 

The center provides Rhode Island teens with a safe place to be both after school and outside of the home, which are reported to be the most difficult time and place to abstain from using drugs and alcohol. The center offers support including recovery meetings, homework assistance, access to computers and WiFi, as well as fun and creative activities to help create new friendships and build trust. Family involvement is welcome and encouraged.

“When we first opened the Jim Gillen Teen Center in 20 de janeiro18, our goal was to provide a place for youth to come together to support each other in their recovery and on weekends. We are achieving that goal by allowing these teens to begin to explore resources that will assist them in building their recovery capital, giving them confidence for their future," said Deborah M. O’Brien, BS, RN, MPA, president and chief operating officer of The Providence Center. “We are so grateful to Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island for their ongoing support of this important program."

In the 2017-2018 school year, the Jim Gillen Teen Center helped students make tremendous changes for the better. Students participating in programming have seen their GPAs increase an average of 20 percent compared to the previous year. Additionally, 88 percent of students have decreased their alcohol and drug use while engaged in the program.

With this success, the center has plans for additional program outreach to Providence public high schools and charter schools, as well as professionals who work with youth.

BCBSRI’s support of the center is the latest in the insurer’s commitment to addressing the behavioral health needs of Rhode Island adolescents. BCBSRI supports a behavioral care model promoting alternatives to inpatient hospitalization for children and teens facing mental illness. One such program is Bradley Hospital’s Mindful Teen program, which provides early intervention and better managed care to support young people before behavioral health problems escalate and interfere with other developmental needs.

The Jim Gillen Teen Center is located at 1280 North Main Street in Providence and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.