Expanding Hope and Supporting Sobriety: AARS Strives to Create a Healthier Alaska
Contributed by Kaitlyn Klippert
Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services (AARS) is founded on the fundamental principle that each individual is entitled to the opportunity to recover.
AARS has quietly assisted Alaskans who are grappling with substance use disorder for decades. Annually, we have provided a place of stability, dignity, and recovery to hundreds of clients. In addition to treatment, we offer hope, purpose, and community. Today, we are expanding. To accomplish our goal to improve our service to our community, we need your support and help.
The Need for Our Expansion
Like many treatment programs across the country, we have noticed an alarming rise in the demand for our services. Alaskans are searching for help. Many people in our community are struggling with their substance use disorder. Some are ready for change; to recover. AARS' mission is to help them with their recovery. However, we have been forced to place them on our waitlist a substantial number of times. With only our limited 26 residential treatment beds, our ability to serve clients is strained.
This expansion project is our commitment to better serve our community.
We are in the process of opening two new 4-plex buildings for outpatient housing, as well as a security monitor station to ensure their safety. Additionally, we have recently opened a new office building to provide additional office space for our dedicated staff and counselors. These are essential elements for the upcoming development: a substantial expansion of our residential treatment facilities, which will nearly double our capacity from 26 to 52 beds. This will allow AARS to admit more clients into our program, rather than to turn anyone away due to a lack of space.