Linda E. Hurley to Receive National Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award
National Council for Mental Wellbeing to Recognize Hurley During NatCon24, April 15-17
Cranston, R.I. (April 2, 2023) — The National Council for Mental Wellbeing will present Linda E. Hurley with its Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her distinguished career.
The National Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals for their tireless efforts to improve the lives of those living with mental health and substance use challenges.
Hurley, BA, MA, CAGS, is the president and CEO of CODAC Behavioral Health Care, Rhode Island’s oldest, largest and only nonprofit outpatient opioid treatment program. Under Hurley’s leadership, CODAC has been a national leader in developing new paradigms for the treatment of opioid use disorder, including creating a national model for medication-assisted treatment services in carceral settings and deploying the first mobile unit to offer methadone services under the new DEA regulations.
National Council President and CEO Chuck Ingoglia will present Hurley with the award during NatCon24, the organization’s annual conference and the biggest industry event in the field of substance use and mental health.
“Linda Hurley is a trailblazer and a leader,” Ingoglia said. “People in Rhode Island are better off because of her thoughtful leadership. The changes she has introduced have improved substance use treatment and care, and so many people have benefited as a result. She truly is a lifesaver.”
In learning of the award, Hurley stated: “I am thrilled and honored to receive this prestigious national award, particularly at this time when CODAC is preparing to launch one of the most fully integrated health and wellness facilities in the country – a place where opioid treatment services will be offered under one roof with primary care, mental health services, dental care, and an onsite, full-service pharmacy. With the addition of a peer recovery community center and essential social services, CODAC will be able to deliver the full spectrum of health services needed by people suffering from addiction.”
Hurley was also recognized for her contributions by state leaders. “Rhode Island is lucky to have a leader and champion like Linda in behavioral health,” said Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee. “I am thrilled she is receiving this well-deserved recognition on a national stage for her achievements. On behalf of all Rhode Islanders, I want to congratulate her on this award!”
“Linda’s thoughtful leadership has helped countless people living with mental health and substance use disorder challenges. I’ve been pleased to work closely with her and her team at CODAC to expand access and resources for people striving for recovery. Linda continues taking bold steps at CODAC to reduce stigma and build a supportive community for those battling addiction,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed.
U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse also offered his congratulations to Linda Hurley on this national recognition: “Linda was the heart of the process when I was writing the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, and she has helped so many Rhode Islanders get safe passage on the long, noble road to recovery.”
Hurley is one of five National Council members who will be honored. The National Council will present two members with a Lifetime Achievement Award and two members with a Peer Specialist of the Year Award. One member will receive the inaugural National Council Legacy Award. All five recipients of the National Council’s Awards of Excellence will be honored during NatCon24 in St. Louis, Missouri, where more than 5,000 health care professionals will gather to learn and network from April 15-17.
