Spectrum Health Systems, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a comprehensive continuum of addiction treatment throughout Massachusetts, announced today a partnership with Milford Regional Medical Center (MRMC) to provide rapid access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to patients of the emergency department (ED) and other MRMC-affiliated patient care sites. Through this collaborative effort, Spectrum and MRMC are bridging the gap between emergency care and primary care offices for individuals struggling with substance use disorders and longer-term addiction treatment.
“Milford Regional and Spectrum share the same goal: to provide access to addiction treatment for all in need,” said Dr. Jeffrey Hopkins, Medical Director of the Emergency Department, at Milford Regional Medical Center. “Overcrowding in ED’s is a nationwide issue, as we often times operate at 90 percent patient capacity. We’re excited about the future of this partnership as we work together to combat this nationwide public health crisis while addressing capacity issues in our emergency department.”
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that emergency rooms see nearly 4.6 million drug-related visits per year. Of those, 45 percent of patients report drug misuse, including nonmedical use of pharmaceuticals, use of illicit drugs, and alcohol-use disorder. To alleviate the increasing pressure put on its ED, MRMC will now refer patients seeking help for opioid addiction to Spectrum Health Systems’ nearby center, located at 200 Main Street. The center will act as a “bridge clinic” between the two providers. There, patients will receive individualized care that is specific to their addiction from Spectrum’s top clinicians and behavioral health professionals.
“Many emergency departments don’t have the resources to treat addiction disorders or help patients begin medication-assisted treatment,” said Sherry Ellis, COO at Spectrum Health Systems. “Spectrum’s mission is to improve access to effective, quality treatment and provide the greatest opportunity for long-term recovery. Through this bridge clinic, Spectrum strives to alleviate the burden on ED’s and provide patients with evidence-based addiction treatment when they need it.”
Spearheaded by Spectrum’s Dr. Qaiser Khan and Dr. Roger Bayog, both dually certified in psychiatry and addiction medicine, patients will be able to continue MAT through Spectrum’s comprehensive continuum of care. During operating clinic hours, Dr. Khan and Dr. Bayog will evaluate patients and provide personalized treatment to fit the needs of each individual. Additionally, Recovery Support Navigators from Spectrum will provide coordination for patients’ medical care, insurance needs, aftercare and more.
For 50 years, Spectrum Health Systems has provided a comprehensive continuum of substance use disorder treatment and recovery support services throughout the Bay State. Across its 19 facilities, Spectrum provides inpatient detoxification, clinical stabilization, residential treatment, medication-assisted treatment, outpatient treatment and peer recovery support. As a pioneer in MAT, Spectrum treats nearly 6,000 clients each day, using methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone to combat opioid use disorder.
Located at 200 East Main Street in Milford, Mass., the clinic is open between 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays for dispensing only. To contact the clinic, please call 508-634-1877. To learn more about Spectrum Health Systems, visit www.SpectrumHealthSystems.org or call at 1-877-MyRehab.
About Spectrum Health Systems:
Based in Worcester, Mass. and founded in 1969, Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. is a private, non-profit substance use and mental health treatment provider. Spectrum offers the largest and most complete continuum of addiction treatment in New England — including inpatient detoxification, residential rehabilitation, outpatient services, medication-assisted treatment and peer recovery support. Spectrum also offers inpatient detoxification and residential treatment for commercially insured and private pay clients through its subsidiary, The New England Recovery Center.
