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Recovery centers seek base increase and oral‑health fund to support early recovery
Summary
Recovery centers asked the Appropriations Committees for a $1.6 million base increase for local recovery centers and $500,000 in opioid abatement funds to create an oral‑health fund serving people in early recovery.
Representatives of Vermont recovery centers urged the Appropriations Committees to increase base funding and to create a dedicated oral‑health fund for people in early recovery.
Shannon Carcidi, executive director of the North Central Vermont Recovery Center, asked the committee to support a $1,600,000 base increase in the Department of Health’s budget for local recovery centers and an additional $500,000 from opioid abatement funds to establish an oral‑health fund that would serve people in early recovery. Carcidi said the recovery center recorded more than 8,000 visits in Morrisville in 2024 and described peer recovery coaching, volunteer programs and support groups as essential services.
Elias Burgess, executive co‑director of Turning Point of Windham County, also asked for the same $1.6M base increase and $500,000 for oral health supports, saying current staffing (five recovery coaches covering hospitals, supportive housing and drop‑in settings) is insufficient to meet demand.
Why it matters: Witnesses said local recovery centers provide low‑barrier, peer‑based supports that help people remain engaged in recovery and that oral‑health services in early recovery support self‑confidence and broader health outcomes.
No committee action was taken during the hearing; testimony will be considered in budget deliberations.
