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Charleston Center Achieves International Accreditation
Commission for the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International accreditation represents the highest level of accreditation that CARF awards to an organization.
Charleston County’s Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, commonly known as Charleston Center, received notification that it has been awarded a three-year accreditation by the Commission for the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International. CARF is a nationally recognized authority and promoter of quality services for people with disabilities.
This is the fifth consecutive three-year accreditation awarded to Charleston Center. The award follows a rigorous three-day site visit by a team of surveyors who looked at all aspects of Charleston Center’s treatment and business practices.
“We are very proud of this distinguished accreditation,” said Mark Cowell, Charleston Center Director. “The decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows the County’s substantial commitment to meeting the CARF standards.”
The accreditation will be valid through June 2011.
December, 2006
Charleston Center Clinician Ron Byrd Named 2006 "Counselor of the Year"
Charleston County Clinical Counselor Ronald Byrd has been named "Counselor of the Year" for 2006 by The South Carolina Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (SCAADAC).
Byrd holds both national and state certification as an addictions counselor. He has worked at Charleston Center, the County's Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Services, for over 14 years.
During this period, Byrd he has helped hundreds of people overcome alcohol and drug problems in traditional outpatient programs as well as employee assistance, DUI and court related programs.
Byrd currently works in Charleston Center's Opioid Treatment Program, which provides maintenance and counseling for people suffering from dependence on opiates, such as heroin, and painkillers.
The SCAADAC "Counselor of the Year" award was given to Byrd for his "outstanding service as a positive role model and influence to clients, and for contributions to the profession of addictions counseling."
Byrd, who is also an experienced trainer and public speaker, said he was speechless when the award was announced. "I really expected that the award was going to one of my colleagues, and then I looked and they were all grinning at me," Byrd said.
"What sets Ron apart is that he didn't gain his extensive therapeutic skills from college or graduate school, but through professional courses while working in the field, and from experience in the trenches," said Ed Johnson, Program Administrator for Charleston Center's Opioid Treatment Program. "New counselors who have college and graduate degrees quickly realize that Ron has a wealth of experience and skill, and is more than willing to share them. There are quite a few counselors in the Charleston area that have improved upon their craft through Ron Byrd's mentoring."
Prior to his work with the County, Byrd had a 30-year career with the U.S. Navy as Command Master and principle advisor to the Commander, U.S. Navy Mobile Mine Forces, for all enlisted human resources issues. Byrd resides in West Ashley with his wife, Jessica.
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