Recovery Epicenter Foundation opens new peer respite center in Pasco County

In a vibrant display of community support, the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners meeting recently highlighted a significant milestone in local recovery efforts. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as the advocacy director for the Recovery Epicenter Foundation, based in Clearwater, announced the grand opening of a new peer respite recovery center, aptly named "The Outfield." Set to open its doors on April 4, this center aims to provide essential support for individuals grappling with addiction.

The Outfield builds on the success of the foundation's previous initiative, the "Catches Mitt," which launched in Clearwater in March 2023. Since its inception, the peer respite program has offered a safe, cost-free space for over a thousand individuals who may not qualify for traditional medical services. This initiative has proven to be a lifeline, helping to prevent homelessness, reduce emergency room visits, and lower overdose rates. Remarkably, more than 80 percent of participants have been connected to long-term recovery programs and housing solutions.

Thanks to a generous grant from BayCare and funding from the Pasco County opioid abatement board, The Outfield quietly opened its doors on February 17, 2025, and has already provided a safe haven for 30 individuals in crisis. The foundation is now exploring opportunities to expand its reach, with plans to open additional centers in Hernando, Manatee, and Hillsborough Counties.

The grand opening event promises to be an engaging affair, scheduled for Friday, April 4, from 1 to 4 PM at 9202 Elsa Street in Newport Beach. Attendees will have the chance to tour the facility, meet the dedicated staff, and learn about the impactful peer-led recovery initiatives firsthand.

As the meeting concluded, the commitment to addressing the challenges of drug addiction and overdose in the community resonated strongly, leaving attendees hopeful for the future of recovery support in Pasco County.