Tuerk House

In 1970, the landscape for addiction treatment was bleak. Individuals often found themselves in state hospitals or jail cells. But a group of visionaries, including Dr. Isadore Tuerk, then Maryland's Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene, saw a different path. They imagined a more compassionate and collaborative approach, and from that vision, Tuerk House was established in Baltimore to provide a new model of care. The organization started with a focus on alcoholism, a significant issue in the community. Over the years, it has adapted to address the changing nature of addiction, including the modern opioid crisis. A pivotal moment in the Tuerk House journey occurred in 2017 when it merged with Total Health Care. This was not a typical acquisition; no money was exchanged, and the move was designed to integrate services. This merger created a more comprehensive care system, allowing patients to receive primary medical and dental services alongside addiction treatment, treating the whole person, not just the addiction. More recently, Tuerk House has continued to expand its mission. In August 2024, it was awarded $5 million from Baltimore City's opioid litigation settlement with Cardinal Health. This significant funding is dedicated to the development of Tuerk House at Exeter, a new $24 million facility aimed at providing specialized services for pregnant mothers and adolescents, further cementing its role as a critical healthcare provider in the community.