Margaretville Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), recently launched a medication-assisted treatment program that helps prevent opioid overdose and assists individuals as they combat substance use disorder. The new program, with support from a grant from New York State’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), initiates treatment with buprenorphine, a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating opioid use disorder as an adjuvant to counseling and other supportive services. After receiving a first dose, the patient is provided with options for follow-up services.
Administering Care for Recovery
Individuals seeking treatment can visit Margaretville Hospital’s Emergency Department at any time, day or night. Trained staff will administer the first dose of buprenorphine and provide a prescription so the individual can continue treatment at home. Margaretville Hospital staff will also match patients to peer advocates and share options for follow up treatment, one of which is services offered through WMCHealth’s Kyle Goldberg Turning Point Outpatient Program.
“Medication-assisted treatment saves lives while increasing the likelihood of a patient staying in treatment, learning new skills and building the support needed for long-term recovery,” said Kenneth Oclatis, PhD, Director of WMCHealth’s Outpatient Behavioral Health Services. “Access to medication-assisted treatment in rural areas is often limited by a shortage of providers trained in addiction medicine, a lack of access to comprehensive addiction programs, and transportation obstacles. This program seeks to eliminate those barriers and enable patients to remain in their home by offering OASAS-approved telepractice follow-up services. This is a much needed program for the area and we are excited to offer these new services to the community.”
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