FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FAMILIES TOGETHER HELPING PATIENTS FREE THEMSELVES OF OPIOID ADDICTION
TUSTIN, Calif., September 15, 2022 – While heroin once ruled the nation’s opioid epidemic, experts are now seeing a near-total replacement by the synthetic fentanyl, and the consequences have been much deadlier. Last year, the opioid epidemic claimed more lives than ever before and many counties are struggling with ways to tackle the issue. With the implementation of Medicated Assisted Treatment, also known as MAT, Families Together of Orange County (FTOC), a nonprofit community health center, is taking a comprehensive approach to help those seeking treatment and maintain sobriety.
The health center works closely with individuals struggling with addiction to connect them to the various resources it offers. This typically starts with medical intervention where a prescription for suboxone will be given. The medical team works hand-in-hand with its Behavioral Health team to set up appointments for therapy and psychiatry. Patients are also connected with MAT Case Manager, Sam Hale, who works directly with each patient on their MAT journey.
Hale states:
“People don’t want to suffer from addiction or the lifestyle that comes with substance dependency. For most, it started with pills prescribed by a doctor, and quickly spiraled beyond that. Our providers want to help patients discover the freedom that comes with breaking the chains of addiction, and through this program, we are able to help patients take steps to better their lives.”
Aside from the constant support from Hale and the Behavioral Health team, Families Together ensures that access is a priority for the program. This includes transportation assistance, education, and a sliding fee scale to assist those without insurance or whose insurance does not cover prescriptions.
There are four main components Families Together has adopted with the implementation of the MAT program: (1) Pharmacological therapy, which is the use of medications to relieve symptoms of withdrawals and psychological cravings; (2) provider and community educational interventions; (3) integration of substance use disorder treatment and other health care needs; and (4) psychosocial service.
Under the guidance of Dr. Neal Schwartz, the unique approach of the MAT program uses a combination of crucial components to help patients in several areas of their life, with the main focus on achieving and maintaining sobriety. The program is voluntary, and patients must want to seek treatment in order to be successful.
Families Together also partners with local jails, shelters, and detox programs to provide comprehensive health services. The health center connects patients with additional resources such as food, transportation, and government aid applications. For more information on how to make an appointment for the MAT program, call 1(800) 597-7977 or visit https://familiestogetheroc.org/medication-assisted-treatment.
About Families Together of Orange County
Since 2003, Families Together of Orange County Community Health Center (FTOC) has proudly served the Orange County community with a myriad of health services while providing a welcoming, multi-lingual and patient – centered medical home to all. FTOC is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, FQHC look-alike, a member of the Coalition of Orange County Community Health Centers and the California Primary Care Association.
Please visit www.familiestogetheroc.org for more information on Families Together of Orange County and for the latest updates.
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