Congratulations to Witry Collective Client Mia Kacmarcik-Sanders!

Each year Gambit celebrates 40 unique women and men under 40 years old impacting New Orleans. The Witry Collective would like to congratulate each and every honoree for their contribution to our community! A very special congratulations goes out to our client Mia Kacmarcik-Sanders! Thank you Mia for your contribution and your vision as founder of the opioid addiction rehabilitation program at St. Cecilia. We honor your commitment.

Mia Kacmarcik-Sanders, 38

Licensed clinical social worker, substance abuse care manager, Daughters of Charity’s St. Cecilia Center

www.dchcno.org

Mia Kacmarcik-Sanders’ practice as a social worker spans the private and public sectors, but her job as founder of the opioid addiction rehabilitation program at St. Cecilia is notable because the program is the first (and until recently, the only) in the state. The treatment combines medication with outpatient behavioral therapy.

“What we needed was what was available to people who could afford treatment — for that population in need that could not afford it,” says Kacmarcik-Sanders, adding this type of private care can cost $1,100 to $1,800 a month. Between the grant that funds the program and clients’ insurance, these services are provided at little to no cost to the client.

“The goal is to expand the number of clinics we’re in to 10 or 11 centers … and to expand and reach other parishes,” she says. Clients come to the Bywater clinic from as far away as Pearl River, Mississippi, she says, but transportation is a significant barrier for many. — KATHERINE M. JOHNSON for The Advocate, Gambit New Orleans