One of handful of industry-certified treatment centers for opioid addiction recovery in Tennessee has expanded into the Chattanooga market, where it is already treating more than 175 patients a month at its new Hixson office.
During a ribbon-cutting Wednesday for the new Revida Recovery Center office at 5870 Highway 153, the company's founder and president, Lee Dilworth, said demand for treatment and recovery programs for opiod addicts continues to grow across the Tennessee and Virginia region served by Revida.
Dilworth, who started Revida in Nashville in 2018, added the company's ninth location in December with its acquisition of the former Renu in Hixson and has continued to expand its comprehensive treatment program. Dilworth said Revida seeks to provide a comprehensive program of medications, counseling and assistance for those who become addicted to opioids.
"We saw the need for this for an underserved part of our population that we're honored to serve with comprehensive care," he said during an interview Wednesday at the Hixson office. "We believe in providing not only counseling and prescribed medications when properly needed but also providing recovery support services to help deal with food insecurity, transportation or other needs our patients may have."
Revida serves primarily TennCare and Medicare-eligible patients who struggle with opioid addition or related problems.
"Recovery is different for every patient, and we try to tailor our treatment programs for each individual, according to their needs," Dilworth said.
The need remains relatively high in Chattanooga, with Hamilton County being one of the five highest counties in Tennessee in the prescription rate for opioid pain medication. There were 206 fatal overdoses in Hamilton County in 2023, averaging 55 deaths per 100,000 people. That's a nearly 9% decrease from the prior year's total of 226, according to Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp.
Data from the Tennessee Department of Health reinforces the severity of the opioid crisis in Hamilton County. The percentage of fentanyl-related deaths has increased by more than 30% in the past six years.
The office in Hixson was started more than seven years ago as Renu Hixson by Dr. Paula Nicola, who sold the practice late last year to Revida Recovery Centers.
Patients are treated on an outpatient basis and come for medications, counseling or other services one to four times a month, Dilworth said. Services are provided both in person and via telephone.
All three major TennCare plans and Medicare cover the cost of treatment for most patients, Dilworth said.
At its centers in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, Revida treats more than 3,600 patients a month, Dilworth said. Although the company has continued to expand its service territory, Dilworth said he has no specific growth targets he is trying to meet other than to focus on those needing recovery help.
Jennifer Cooke, program director for the Revida Recovery Center in Hixson, has been a part of the recovery community in Chattanooga for years, bringing firsthand experience with the addiction crisis in Hamilton County. She previously served as the practice manager for Renu Chattanooga and has continued with the practice under Revida's ownership.
Dr. Karen Avery is the medical physician who serves the new Revida Recovery Center in Hixson. Dilworth said Revida seeks to work with first responders, public health officials, nonprofits, local law enforcement and broader community citizens to help with opioid treatment and recovery in the communities it serves.
"Everything we do is based on data, evidence and the latest addiction science," Dilworth said. "Everyone who walks in to one of our facilities is going to receive quality, personalized care that gives them the best chance to succeed."
Dilworth said referrals and calls come from a variety of people, including many patients recognizing they need help. Among 130 treatment centers across Tennessee, Revida is one of five opioid treatment centers certified by the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, Dilworth said.
Contact Dave Flessner at dflessner@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6340.