Arizona’s First Med Unit Opens in Casa Grande
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (PRWEB) April 23, 2018 -- Community Medical Services (CMS), an innovative leader in addiction treatment in Arizona and across the nation, today announced the opening of its newest Medication Unit in Casa Grande. Located near I-10 and Florence Boulevard, the clinic is conveniently positioned to serve the Casa Grande area and surrounding communities.
The need is great. The U.S. government’s National Institutes for Health/National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 115 Americans die every day after overdosing on opioids. The most recent 2018 Arizona data shows suspected overdoses (with or without a fatality) number from 103 to 270 per week.
“Experts refer to this as an epidemic, and our experience matches that description,” said Haley Horton, CMS’ Regional Operations Director for Southern Arizona. “Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is rampant and effective treatment can be hard to find, especially in more rural parts of Arizona. Overdose data for the state also show that Casa Grande has a higher incident of opioid overdoses than in many other regions. We believe the services we offer are essential to the health of our local communities.”
CMS specializes in delivering Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), in what experts refer to as a ‘whole-person’ approach. The treatment, which studies have found to be far more effective than traditional modalities, uses FDA approved medicines to inhibit physical responses to opiates and/or ease the physically, mentally and emotionally painful symptoms of withdrawal. Treatment is combined with counseling services and peer support, and is paired with strong coordination of care with local behavioral health and medical agencies. When CMS patients stabilize after one year in treatment, 90% consistently test negative for illicit opiates.
CMS clinics also equip patients with Naloxone, a drug which – when delivered close to the time of overdose – can reverse the effects of opioid drugs and save lives. CMS clinics, including the Casa Grande location, will also be a designated collection site where community members can drop off unused controlled prescription medications to be safely and properly destroyed.
“We are very proud to be a strong partner in the health care system in Casa Grande and Pinal County working in collaboration with organizations like Cenpatico Integrated Care who share our vision. Part of our mission is to ensure these under served areas receive the medical services they need and deserve,” added Horton.
Community Medical Services, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, brings its innovative Opioid Treatment Programs to Alaska, Arizona, Montana and North Dakota. CMS is committed to helping patients suffering with substance abuse disorders to heal with dignity and respect.
Haley Horton, Community Medical Services, http://www.communitymedicalservices.org, +1 520-775-3506, [email protected]
Share this article