About RAP
Rooted in Washington, DC. Focused on healing.
For more than 55 years, Regional Addiction Prevention has helped individuals and families affected by substance use disorders find treatment, support and a path forward. We are part of the fabric of this city — and we’re just getting started on our next chapter.
55+ Years
Serving Washington, DC
24/7
Crisis Stabilization
9 Services
From crisis care to outpatient
Whole-Person Care
Mind • Body • Family • Community
Our mission
His Vision. Our Mission. Their Future.
The belief that inspired Ron Clark remains at the heart of RAP: people deserve the opportunity to heal, recover, and build a better future.
01
Dignity
Every person who comes to RAP is treated with respect, compassion and dignity.
02
The whole person
Mind, body, family, culture, community, responsibility and hope — not substance use alone.
03
Community
We are rooted in Washington, DC and committed to the neighborhoods we serve.
04
Hope
Recovery is possible. We walk alongside every person on their path forward.
Our story · Founder of RAP, Inc.
Ronald “Ron” Clark believed there had to be a different way.
When Ronald “Ron” Clark arrived in Washington, D.C. from Los Angeles in the early 1970s, the city was facing a devastating drug epidemic. Individuals, families, and entire communities were being affected by substance use, while meaningful treatment options remained limited.
He envisioned treatment that recognized the dignity of the individual and addressed more than substance use alone. Ron championed an African-centered, holistic approach to recovery that recognized the importance of identity, culture, accountability, belonging, and human connection. That vision became the Regional Addiction Prevention Program, known throughout the community simply as RAP.
Ron Clark passed away at age 83, but the work he began continues — in the people who rebuilt their lives, the families who were reunited, and the communities strengthened by people who found recovery. The belief that inspired him remains: people deserve the opportunity to heal, recover, and build a better future.
His Legacy Lives Here.
Our history
55 years of healing. A new chapter.
From its earliest days, RAP was built around community. People who came through its doors found structure, meals, counseling, responsibilities, professional support, and a community committed to helping them rebuild their lives. For many, RAP became much more than a place to receive treatment — it became a place to begin again.
[YEAR]
RAP begins
Ron Clark’s vision becomes the Regional Addiction Prevention Program in Washington, D.C.
[YEAR]
Growing with the community
Over the decades, thousands of people came through RAP seeking an opportunity to change the direction of their lives.
[YEAR]
The Calvin Rolark Center
RAP’s residential facility is named in honor of Calvin Rolark, founder of the United Black Fund.
[YEAR]
Expanding treatment & support
As community needs evolved, RAP’s work expanded beyond substance use treatment to include additional health and supportive services.
2026
A new independent chapter
55+ years of healing, and the same commitment to DC.
Next
The future of RAP
Continuing to meet people where they are, for generations to come.
Our facility
The Calvin Rolark Center
RAP’s residential treatment facility, The Calvin Rolark Center, was named in honor of Calvin Rolark, founder of the United Black Fund, which supported RAP’s work for decades. [Services offered at this location to be confirmed by RAP.]
Residential Treatment
Crisis Stabilization
[Other services]
[STREET ADDRESS], Washington, DC [ZIP]
Leadership & organization
The people behind our work.
[Leadership team, board of directors and organizational details to be provided by RAP.]
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Visit or reach out
We’d love to hear from you.
Find a RAP location near you, or contact our team with any questions about our programs.