Expansion project aims to help more who seek addiction recovery services

One of the Mat-Su’s longest running addiction recovery facilities continues to expand its services on Point MacKenzie.

Since 1982, the nonprofit Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services has been serving adults struggling with substance abuse and related disorders. Originally operating from Nugen’s Ranch on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway, AARS moved the operation in 2012 to 116 acres of farmland off Point MacKenzie Road, where it continues to help adults get and stay sober through longer-term treatment services.

Kaitlyn Klippert, director of development, marketing, and communication for AARS, said an ongoing expansion project will significantly increase access to treatment for those who are seeking it. A new residential facility will double capacity from 26 to 52 beds.

“This expansion has been part of our long-term vision for many years,” she said. “It’s been driven by persistent wait lists and growing statewide need.”

Klippert said Alaska has long had a shortage of treatment beds, and AARS regularly receives more referrals than it can accommodate. So the new facility will help the organization fulfill its mission of providing accessible, high-quality treatment that supports long-term recovery and strengthens families and communities across the state.

“This expansion directly addresses that unmet demand by allowing us to reduce wait times, accept referrals sooner, and serve more individuals when they are most ready for help,” she said.

A July grant for $3 million from the Mat-Su Health Foundation has been instrumental in helping to make the new facility a reality.

“Funding like this helps bridge the gap between community need and operational reality, allowing us to build infrastructure that supports recovery for decades to come,” Klippert said. “These investments don’t just expand buildings, they are expanding hope, access, and outcomes.”

The nonprofit Mat-Su Health Foundation has been making these kinds of investments since its inception in 2007, when it became part owner of the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. Since that time, the Health Foundation has returned more than $140 million of its share of hospital profits to the community in the form of scholarships, sponsorships, and grants to nonprofits around the Valley.

Klippert said grant support has always been essential to the operation’s ability to grow responsibly while keeping services accessible to those who need them most. She added that the current expansion would not have been possible without the financial assistance of the Health Foundation and other organizations.

“This expansion is a long-term investment in Alaska’s recovery ecosystem, one that reduces strain on emergency services, supports workforce stability, and gives more Alaskans the opportunity to rebuild their lives,” Klippert said. “Every new bed represents a person who doesn’t have to wait, leave the state, or give up when they’re ready for change. We appreciate the Mat-Su Health Foundation for supporting this effort and standing by AARS as we continue to provide these services.”

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https://aarsrecovery.org/