The national opioid crisis continues to grow exponentially, and Bucks County is no exception to this dangerous trend. The COVID-19 pandemic has only further contributed to this menacing circumstance.
According to the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission, in the past 12 months alone, there have been 779 opioid overdoses, the majority of which occurred in adults between the ages of 20-39. These numbers are staggering, but according to Family Service Association of Bucks County, an innovative leader in the nonprofit health and human services industry, there is help and hope.
The Family Service Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence is an all-inclusive program that combats opioid misuse and addiction through the provision of cutting-edge medical treatment, as well as individualized counseling, support and recovery services by industry experts. The goal is to ensure that the clients achieve maximum support and success. Most importantly, these expansive treatments and services, which are most commonly offered at for-profit recovery centers, are often free of charge, or at a minimal cost to Family Service clients.
One of the most significant tools in the life-and-death battle with opioid addiction is Sublocade. Considered by industry professionals to be a breakthrough medication, Sublocade has proven to be highly effective because it is only required on a monthly basis, unlike other similar medications, which need to be taken more frequently in order to be successful. Best of all, Family Service can now administer Sublocade, making it one of the few nonprofit health and human service providers in the entire region to have this capability.
“Family Service is proud to offer an opioid treatment and recovery program, which is outstanding on every level,” said Julie Dees, Family Service CEO. “For people who use drugs and those seeking recovery, our Center for Excellence is already a game changer. It is staffed with Certified Recovery Specialists, who are peers with lived experience and in long-term recovery. These peer relationships are so important and are often the first step in finding a path of recovery that is right for the individual. Now that we’ve added Subloacde to our list of available medications used to treat Opioid Use Disorder, it only makes our Center stronger, more effective and above everything, it significantly enhances the recovery process for those seeking to break the cycle of addiction.”
The Family Service Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence serves adults, ages 18 and older, who have an opioid use disorder, or who are actively misusing opioids. Medicaid is accepted for most services, as well as other options, which can be explored by staff as necessary. For more information about this program, call 215-757-6916, Ext. 150.
