Columbus, Ind. – Columbus Regional Health in partnership with Ascension Recovery Services announced today the launch of an initiative to transition ownership and operations of CRH’s Treatment and Support Center (TASC) to Indiana Recovery Homes.

The transition will take place over the course of several months, resulting in Ascension Recovery Services (ARS) and Indiana Recovery Homes (IRH) assuming full acquisition of TASC before the end of 2026. This opportunity represents the next chapter in a longstanding partnership focused on expanding access to high-quality substance use disorder treatment and recovery services throughout the region. Patients, families, referral partners, and community stakeholders can expect uninterrupted services and continued access to the care and support.

The relationship between Columbus Regional Health and ARS spans nearly a decade. In 2017, Columbus Regional Health identified a growing need for substance use disorder treatment services and engaged ARS to help develop and launch what would become TASC. Since then, the program has served as a vital resource for individuals and families seeking treatment and recovery support in south-central Indiana.

“For years, our organizations have worked alongside Columbus Regional Health to strengthen recovery resources across this community. Bringing TASC into the Indiana Recovery Homes with support from Ascension Recovery Services allows us to create a truly integrated continuum of care—from outpatient treatment and medication-assisted treatment to residential care, recovery housing, and long-term recovery support,” shared Brandon George, Managing Partner at Indiana Recovery Homes. “This is about building a stronger recovery ecosystem that serves more people, removes barriers to care, and helps individuals and families achieve lasting recovery."

Through this transition, IRH and ARS will assume ownership and management of TASC, bringing the program into a broader recovery ecosystem that includes recovery housing, medical detoxification, residential treatment, outpatient services, and medication-assisted treatment.

“This transition is ultimately about strengthening access to care,” said Doug Leech, Chief Executive Officer of Ascension Recovery Services. “Columbus Regional Health demonstrated tremendous leadership by helping establish TASC when the community needed it most. We were honored to be part of that original vision, and we are equally honored to continue building upon it. Our focus is preserving what works, supporting patients and staff, and creating a stronger, more integrated continuum of care for the people we serve.”

Throughout the transition process, patient care will remain the highest priority. Transition teams from both organizations are working closely together to ensure continuity of services, maintain strong referral relationships, and support employees, patients, and community partners.

“This transition reflects a shared commitment to ensuring individuals and families continue to receive the support they need,” said Dr. Lee Kiser, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Columbus Regional Health. “The need for substance use disorder treatment remains significant, and we believe Indiana Recovery Homes and Ascension Recovery Services are uniquely positioned to continue this work while expanding access to recovery services across the region.”

Looking ahead, ARS and Indiana Recovery Homes will continue evaluating opportunities to strengthen care coordination, enhance patient access, and expand services to meet evolving community needs.

About Ascension Recovery Services

Ascension Recovery Services (ARS) is a national leader in behavioral health program development and management, partnering with hospitals, health systems, investors, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and Tribal Nations to develop and operate sustainable behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment programs. As the nation’s first Substance Use Disorder Management Services Organization (SUD-MSO), ARS provides end-to-end support across capital planning, facility development, licensure and accreditation, staffing, payer contracting, marketing, and operational management. With projects spanning more than 80 organizations across 35 states, ARS helps partners build financially sustainable, clinically excellent behavioral health systems that expand access to care and strengthen communities nationwide.

About Indiana Recovery Homes

Indiana Recovery Homes provides safe, structured recovery housing and support services designed to help individuals build strong foundations for long-term recovery. Through recovery-focused programming, peer support, and community integration, Indiana Recovery Homes helps individuals transition from treatment to independent, sustainable recovery.

About Columbus Regional Health