John Brooks Recovery Center

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP – AtlantiCare, an integrated healthcare system based in Egg Harbor Township, announced Tuesday, Jan. 18 that it has signed a letter of intent to acquire the John Brooks Recovery Center and become the parent company of JBRC. This strategic acquisition will allow AtlantiCare to expand its already extensive network of substance use disorder and behavioral health and wellness programs and services.

JBRC provides a host of clinically-driven treatment options through two outpatient centers and one residential treatment facility. AtlantiCare recognizes the integrity, longevity and successful recovery oriented model JBRC has established in serving the same communities as it does. The health system is confident the acquisition would allow it to enhance care for the growing population in need of substance use disorder and other behavioral health services.

“The continuum of care is extremely important at AtlantiCare and John Brooks Recovery Center—it guides our vision of building healthy communities together,” AtlantiCare CEO Lori Herndon said. “AtlantiCare and JBRC also share a long history of providing compassionate care and support to individuals struggling with substance use disorders, as well as their loved ones. AtlantiCare’s mission is to make a difference in health and healing, one person at a time, through caring and trusting relationships. By combining our complementary behavioral health capabilities, we would broaden and deepen our ability to reach individuals in need and provide the continuum of care and support that is so essential to their long-term recovery and brighter futures.”

AtlantiCare and JBRC have experience in partnering to advance their mutual goals in providing care and support for individuals impacted by substance use disorders. AtlantiCare’s Federally Qualified Health Center in Atlantic City provides care coordination, primary care and other treatment services to JBRC clients. In addition, AtlantiCare links patients of AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center and its other care locations with JBRC’s services. JBRC has participated in AtlantiCare’s “Healing. Hope. Recovery.” opioid response initiative and other efforts aimed at creating a culture of recovery and eliminating the stigma of addiction.

“The signing of this letter of intent is an exciting next step in the collaborative relationship JBRC and AtlantiCare have fostered,” JBRC CEO Michael Santillo said. “Our organizations are well versed in the unique assets, services and capabilities each brings to the table because we’ve been immersed in each other’s way of service for years. With this acquisition we would strategize even more effective ways to leverage our resources to make lives better for individuals suffering from substance use disorders regardless of financial circumstances or socio-economic background.”

Pending the signing of a definitive agreement and attaining regulatory approvals, AtlantiCare and JBRC expect to complete the transaction finalizing the acquisition in early 2022.


Nanette LoBiondo Galloway

Award winning journalist covering news, events and people of Atlantic County for more than 20 years.