We’re proud to share some exciting news with our community.
Haven House has been recognized as the Best of 2025 Elkton Award Winner in the Addiction Treatment category. This honor goes beyond being just an award winner for addiction treatment, it represents trust, impact, and the lives changed every day within our walls.
What This Recognition Means
The Best of Elkton Award highlights organizations that consistently demonstrate excellence in service, integrity, and community impact. Being recognized in the addiction treatment category speaks to the heart of what Haven House stands for:
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Compassionate, person-centered care
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Evidence-based treatment approaches
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A safe, structured environment for healing
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A team deeply committed to long-term recovery, not quick fixes
This award acknowledges the dedication of our clinical staff, support teams, leadership, and — most importantly — the courage of the individuals who choose recovery and allow us to walk alongside them.
At Haven House, our focus has always been on creating a place where people feel seen, supported, and respected — especially during one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
As Sara Burden, CEO of Haven House, shared:
“As we wrap up this year, my heart is full of gratitude for each of you. Your dedication and compassion have brought so much hope to the people we serve. Thank you for making this season and every season brighter.”
Recognition like this is never the goal. Helping people rebuild their lives is.
But when our work resonates with the community and earns their trust, it reinforces that we’re moving in the right direction.
Why Recognition Like This Matters
Addiction continues to be a significant public health challenge across Maryland and the United States. According to the Maryland Department of Health, substance use disorder remains a leading driver of preventable illness and overdose, making local treatment access more important than ever.
As an award winner for addiction treatment, community-based recognition like this helps people:
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Identify trusted treatment providers close to home
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Feel more confident reaching out for help
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Understand that recovery services exist within their own community
Local treatment centers like ours play a critical role in reducing overdoses, supporting families, and easing the burden on emergency services. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to stress that access to treatment and recovery support is essential to sustaining improvements in overdose outcomes nationwide.
Recognition at the community level helps ensure that people who need help know where to turn — before a crisis becomes fatal.
Gratitude to the People Behind the Work For Making Us an Award Winner for Addiction Treatment
This recognition belongs to:
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The staff who show up daily with professionalism, compassion, and accountability
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Community partners who support recovery beyond treatment
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Families who trust Haven House during incredibly difficult moments
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And the individuals in recovery whose courage makes this work possible
As Chris Pedersen, Executive Vice President of Strategic Business Development, shared:
“As we look back on all we’ve accomplished together, I’m incredibly proud of what this team has built. Thank you for your resilience, your passion, and your love for the work we do.”
Recovery is never a solo journey. It is built through connection, support, and access to quality care.
Looking Ahead
Being recognized as a Best of 2025 Elkton Award winner for Addiction Treatment strengthens Haven House’s commitment to continue serving the community with integrity, clinical excellence, and compassion. The work is far from finished — and neither is the dedication to helping people build healthier, more stable futures.
If you or someone you love is seeking support, know that Haven House is here — and we’re just getting started.
If you’re in Maryland and exploring your options, Evolve Life Centers offers the kind of structured, evidence-based, compassionate IOP that helps people regain control of their lives—without feeling overwhelmed or alone. Call 443-LIV-FREE today or fill this form to get started. You can also follow us on Facebook to learn more.
