Master Center marks 10 years of addiction treatment in Virginia

Master Center is celebrating its 10th anniversary after helping more than 12,000 patients across Virginia access evidence-based addiction care. The Richmond-based organization is using the milestone to push for stronger partnerships and broader access to recovery support.

Why it matters: - Master Center says its first decade shows addiction treatment can be delivered as mainstream medical care, not as a separate or stigmatized service. - The organization is highlighting barriers that still keep people from care, including cost, transportation, stigma and fragmented healthcare. - The milestone underscores the scale of demand for recovery services across Virginia.

What happened: - Master Center is marking 10 years of providing comprehensive, evidence-based addiction treatment. - The Richmond-based organization says it has helped more than 12,000 patients across Virginia begin recovery. - Master Center was founded in 2016 as the Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine. - The organization says it was created to bring addiction medicine into mainstream healthcare. - CEO Anna McKean said the anniversary reflects both the organization’s growth and the patients and families affected by recovery. - Founder and CMO Dr. James Thompson said recovery is possible, treatment works and every person deserves the opportunity to recover.

The details: - Master Center was built on the belief that addiction should be treated like any other chronic medical condition. - The organization says its care model emphasizes medical science, coordinated care and patient dignity. - The late Dr. Sherman Master influenced the organization’s approach to addiction medicine. - Dr. Master believed people with substance use disorders deserved high-quality medical treatment without stigma or judgment. - Master Center uses a multidisciplinary model that brings together physicians, therapists and peer recovery coaches. - Thompson said addiction affects parents, children, teachers, healthcare workers, veterans, business leaders and neighbors. - Thompson said patients’ courage and resilience drive the organization’s work.

Between the lines: - The anniversary message is also a policy argument: treatment works best when healthcare systems, employers, insurers, community groups and policymakers coordinate. - Master Center is framing recovery as both a health outcome and an economic one, with benefits that include people returning to work, families reuniting and lives being saved. - The organization is positioning itself as part of a broader community response, not just a clinic.

What's next: - Master Center says its next decade will focus on reaching more people and building a more coordinated approach to addiction care. - Thompson said the organization wants to serve as a partner, resource and community for better addiction treatment. - Master Center says it will continue working with healthcare professionals, peer recovery coaches, administrative staff, community partners, patients and families. - Thompson said the organization intends to keep advancing the work for many years to come.

The bottom line: - Master Center is using its 10-year milestone to show that recovery is possible, treatment can work and access to care still needs broader support.