Corcentric Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer Doug Clark will be honored with the Richard J. Caron Award of Excellence from Caron Treatment Centers on September 9 alongside his son, Zac Clark, for their significant impact on families affected by substance use disorder.

The annual award is presented to individuals who demonstrate the caring and compassion exemplified by Caron’s founders. Caron Treatment Centers is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to addiction and behavioral healthcare treatment, research, prevention, and addiction medicine education.

“As someone whose family has been personally affected by the emotional devastation of drug addiction, I am passionate about becoming part of the solution by providing education and assistance to help alleviate this national crisis and specifically in the transportation arena for drivers and mechanics,” Doug Clark said.

Clark noted that since the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug and Alcohol Clearing House went into effect in 2020 they have recorded upwards of 56,000 driver violations for failing drug tests, DUIs or other substance abuse problems. Over 45,000 of them are still unable to drive with thousands of more drivers expected to leave the profession because they fear they might not pass a drug test.

“This is a problem that needs to be resolved with a robust industry response, sooner rather than later,” added Clark. “We are experiencing unprecedented driver and mechanic shortages in our industry with the American Trucking Association (ATA) predicting that the truck driver shortage could grow to a deficit of over 160,000 by 2028. I will continue to work with the industry to provide a platform and resources for addiction education and assistance to improve the welfare of our workforce.”

In addition to Zac and Doug, the Clark family includes: mother, Beatrice; sisters, Kathryn and Rachel; and brothers, Matt and Rob. Zac, the co-founder of Release Recovery, a sober living and recovery services organization that services Westchester County and New York City, has organized and led Caron’s New York City Marathon team and is on the Caron Corporate and New York Boards. Through his family’s support, this month marks Zac Clarks’s 10-year recovery anniversary. Matt Clark is on Caron’s DC Board and Beatrice Clark and Doug Clark have shared their generosity in advancing Caron’s mission of Recovery For Life. Leading up to the Gala, Caron will share stories about the Clark family on its social media platforms.

“We’re excited to honor Zac and the entire Clark family,” Brad Sorte, president and CEO of Caron, said. “The Clark family’s unwavering commitment to treatment and recovery combined with their openness and authenticity about their collective experience has made a difference for thousands of other families struggling with substance use disorder. Addiction is a family disease and they are an inspiring example of the transformative power of recovery.”

“My family is truly honored and humbled to receive the Richard J. Caron Award of Excellence, and we are so grateful for Caron,” Zac Clark said. “I am indebted to my family for their love and support during my toughest moments on this long journey, from realizing I needed help, throughout my battle to achieve sobriety and maintaining it every day. Caron’s revolutionary treatments and recovery services gave me the tools to help me turn my life around and provided me with a second chance. Simply put, without my family and Caron, I wouldn’t be here today.”