ATLANTA, Ga. – In recognition of his ongoing efforts to serve individuals and families impacted by the addiction crisis, Tim Robinson, founder, president and CEO of Addiction Recovery Care (ARC), received the 2022 Congressman Hal Rogers Beacon of Hope Award today at the Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit (Rx Summit) in Atlanta.
The award is named for U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05), who founded Operation UNITE in 2003. Under Cong. Rogers’ leadership, Operation UNITE launched the Rx Summit in 2012. Today, the Rx Summit is the largest national collaboration of professionals from local, state and federal agencies, business, academia, treatment providers and allied communities impacted by prescription drug abuse and heroin use. The Beacon of Hope Award is awarded annually at the Rx Summit to a changemaker working to address the addiction crisis and inspiring others to do the same.
Robinson founded ARC in 2010 and opened Karen’s Place, a residential treatment center for women, in Louisa, Kentucky. ARC now operates more than 30 programs in 21 Kentucky counties, serving hundreds of people on a daily basis, and continues to grow throughout Appalachia. ARC’s nationally recognized Crisis to Career model combines treatment with job training to prepare clients for life after ARC and set them up for success.
“It is a tremendous honor and privilege to receive the 2022 Congressman Hal Rogers Beacon of Hope Award,” said Robinson. “Since founding ARC and opening the doors to our first treatment center 12 years ago, I have made it my personal mission to serve and support those in our communities who have been impacted by addiction. I am thankful to Congressman Hal Rogers, Operation UNITE, the Rx Summit and the countless other leaders who have inspired our movement and helped to pave the way.”
Robinson graduated from Cumberland College with a BS in Political Science and the University of Kentucky College of Law with a Juris Doctorate. A former prosecutor, Robinson celebrated 15 years of recovery in December 2021. He lives in Louisa with his wife Leila and their four children.
“It is an honor to present Tim Robinson with the Beacon of Hope Award,” said U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers (R-KY). “He turned his personal recovery journey into a network of hope for others battling addiction, bringing the mission of this summit full circle. So far, he has helped more than 41,000 individuals battling substance use disorder through Addiction Recovery Care, employing some of those graduates at ARC to continue helping others, and driving more than 900,000 miles to transport folks to a treatment facility last year when they had no other way. He is truly providing a beacon of hope when it is needed the most.”
“Congratulations to Tim Robinson and Addiction Recovery Care for receiving the Congressman Hal Rogers Beacon of Hope Award at this year’s Rx Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit,” said U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). “The Commonwealth is at the epicenter of America’s substance abuse epidemic, so I work closely with leaders like Tim to help Kentuckians struggling with addiction. This crisis is far from over, but because of the work done by treatment providers like Tim, we have made a meaningful difference in the communities, families, and lives torn apart by substance abuse. Tim is truly the type of changemaker Congressman Rogers envisioned highlighting at the Rx Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit when he founded the conference ten years ago.”.
“While addressing the addiction crisis continues to be a top priority for our administration, we must also acknowledge the significant progress that’s been made in support of our fellow Kentuckians impacted by substance use,” said Governor Andy Beshear (D-KY). “As the founder of Addiction Recovery Care, Tim Robinson has been instrumental in helping our community members find hope and purpose in life after addiction. We’re excited and proud to see him recognized on the national stage at this year’s Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit. Thanks to leaders like Tim, we have reason to be hopeful about what’s ahead in our battle against addiction.”
“Congratulations to Tim and the Addiction Recovery Care team for this well-deserved recognition,” said Van Ingram, executive director of the Kentucky Office for Drug Control Policy. “At the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy, we are grateful for strong, innovative partners like ARC who are helping us make the Commonwealth a national leader in fighting the addiction epidemic — and delivering hope and help daily to Kentuckians.”
“The cabinet joins others in celebrating Tim Robinson as this year’s Beacon of Hope Award recipient,” said Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Eric Friedlander. “Tim’s tireless efforts in raising awareness for the need for comprehensive services for individuals battling substance abuse disorder and his advocacy with the General Assembly are making an indelible impact.”
“Tim has been a tremendous advocate for individuals in recovery, as recognized at this year’s Rx Summit,” said Nancy Hale, president and CEO of Operation UNITE. “We’ve been fortunate to work alongside Tim to address Kentucky’s addiction crisis and are grateful for his continued leadership, passion and commitment to the cause.”
The Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit kicked off today and runs through April 21, 2022.
