Palm Avenue Detox wins 2026 David Lewis Award

Palm Avenue Detox, a 22-bed residential withdrawal management program in San Mateo County, received the 2026 David Lewis Award from Behavioral Health & Recovery Services on Sept. 2. The honor lands during National Recovery Month and underscores the program’s role in substance use recovery, client care and evidence-based treatment.

Why it matters: - Palm Avenue Detox’s recognition puts a local withdrawal management program in the spotlight during National Recovery Month, when recovery services and evidence-based treatment get broader attention. - The award signals public recognition for programs that reduce stigma, support recovery and improve client care. - Horizon Treatment Services is also preparing to expand capacity in San Mateo County with a new 69-bed recovery facility.

What happened: - San Mateo County Health’s Behavioral Health & Recovery Services selected Palm Avenue Detox for the 2026 David Lewis Award on Sept. 2 in San Mateo, California. - Palm Avenue Detox is a 22-bed, clinically operated residential withdrawal management program of Horizon Treatment Services. - The program serves adults with substance use disorders in San Mateo County. - The award was announced during National Recovery Month.

The details: - The David Lewis Award honors an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to substance use recovery through successful programs, community education, stigma reduction or client advocacy. - Palm Avenue Detox recently received a 3-year CARF accreditation. - Clients are screened for medical necessity and monitored through a state-of-the-art system. - Jaime Campos, CEO of Horizon Treatment Services, said the program’s staff, in-house access to Medications for Addiction Treatment and high patient satisfaction scores contributed to the recognition. - Campos said state reviews over the last two years confirmed that Palm Avenue Detox meets applicable standards for client care, safety and program operations. - The program has also gone through an operational overhaul that added more clinical training and new technology aimed at improving safety and care quality.

Between the lines: - The award appears to reflect both the program’s clinical standing and broader operational improvements, not just one-time performance. - CARF accreditation and recent state reviews suggest Palm Avenue Detox is using formal quality controls to support its recovery work. - Horizon’s planned expansion points to continued demand for withdrawal management and residential treatment in San Mateo County.

What's next: - Horizon Treatment Services plans to open a new 69-bed Horizon Recovery Center in San Mateo County. - The proposed facility will combine withdrawal management, sobering and residential treatment services in one location. - Construction is expected to be completed in April 2029. - More information about Horizon Treatment Services and Palm Avenue Detox is available at Horizon Treatment Services. - Information about the Horizon Recovery Center is available at Horizon Recovery Center.