Meridian HealthCare unveils newly renamed Judge Joseph Donofrio Center

Meridian HealthCare recently unveiled the newly named Judge Joseph Donofrio Center.

The center is the official new name of their Chalmers Avenue facility, which provides critical addiction recovery services, including withdrawal management (detox), inpatient residential treatment, alcohol addiction treatment, and intensive outpatient treatment.

It also offers support services like primary healthcare, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and family education.

Meridian HealthCare renamed the facility to honor Judge Joseph Donofrio’s profound legacy in advancing addiction treatment within our community.

Judge Gene Donofrio spoke at the event about what this dedication would mean to his father, who passed in 2020.

“My father never sought the spotlight, but I’m certain he is smiling down on us now,” said Donofrio. “He would be deeply moved by this tribute. Naming this facility in his honor will keep his legacy alive for many years to come. To Larry and Meridian HealthCare, thank you for this privilege and for honoring the pioneers in this field. And thank you for everything you do to make our community a better place to live.”

In 1966, Judge Joseph Donofrio introduced a groundbreaking alternative for individuals facing legal issues due to recurring alcohol-related offenses. Instead of jail time, his program directed them to Alcoholics Anonymous, offering them recovery rather than punishment.

ThE visionary and compassionate approach ultimately inspired the creation of the Donofrio Halfway House, which became part of Meridian HealthCare in 2005, according to the center.

“We are proud to carry on Judge Donofrio’s legacy by naming our inpatient detox facility after him,” said Larry Moliterno, president and CEO of Meridian HealthCare. “At that time, no one else viewed addiction the way he did, understanding that simply putting people in jail was not the answer. He saw individuals struggling and knew they didn’t just need help, they needed hope.”

For more information about the services offered at Meridian HealthCare’s Judge Joseph Donofrio Center, visit their website at meridianhealthcare.net/the-donofrio-center.