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SSTAR Investigates Injectable Buprenorphine

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SSTA- Investigates-Injectable-BuprenorphineIn addition to being a trusted addiction treatment services provider, Fall River-based Stanley Street Treatment and Resources Inc. ( SSTAR ) has been engaging in addiction research projects for many years and is now helping to vet the next generation of medication-assisted treatment (MAT). SSTAR is investigating the safety and efficacy of injectable buprenorphine. This medication could potentially eliminate the need for daily visits to the clinic to receive doses. Patients who are eligible to participate in this pharmaceutical study will receive free buprenorphine treatment for up to 6 months and individualized weekly counseling. SSTAR’s Dr. Baily pointed out in a recent article that, “Access to cutting edge care through research is especially important to the uninsured and underinsured population by making access to treatment and medication easier and available at little to no cost to participants.”

Since 2002, Buprenorphine is approved for the treatment of pain and opioid addiction in the form of tablets and film. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the properties of buprenorphine help to:

  • Lower the potential for misuse
  • Diminish the effects of physical dependence on opioids, such as withdrawal symptoms and cravings
  • Increase safety in cases of overdose

One manufacturer, Braeburn Pharmaceuticals and Camurus recently entered into Phase 2 of their study of CAM2038, weekly and monthly subcutaneous buprenorphine injections. Behshad Sheldon, President, and CEO, Braeburn Pharmaceuticals said, “Our goal is to provide a suite of best-in-class, long-acting treatment options tailored to the individual needs of patients suffering from opioid dependence and chronic pain.”

Read more in the article by Dr. Genie Bailey of SSTAR or get to know more of SMART’s EHR partners.

 

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Hawaii Addiction Treatment Providers Plan

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SMART Management is proud to serve Hawaii addiction treatment providers with an EHR specifically designed to streamline opioid treatment program workflows. Providers like Ku Aloha Mau dedicate their time to supporting the states efforts to stay ahead of the ongoing epidemic.

In 2019 Hawaii was awarded $2 million in federal grant funds to aid in opioid crisis prevention efforts. This funding helps Hawaii’s Opioid Initiative Action Plan and other proven programs, like those delivering Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).

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This plan includes action areas such as: modernizing healthcare strategies, improving prescribing practices, enhancing data collection, increasing consumer education and prescription harm management with pharmacy-based strategies, and supporting law enforcement and first responders. “Fortunately, Hawaii has not yet experienced the magnitude of the opioid crisis seen in other parts of the country,” said Gov. David Y. Ige in 2017 after the release of Hawaii’s Opioid Initiative Action Plan. “While emerging issues and concerns in the state are on the rise, we have been given a relatively unique opportunity to proactively respond, prepare, and prevent the crisis from reaching the same magnitude.”

For more information on Medication-Assisted Treatment or to find a treatment provider near you visit SAMHSA. If you are a MAT provider and want to learn about improving efficiencies at your facility, please visit SMART’s Solutions page or get to know other SMART EHR partners.

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Maine Helps Addiction Treatment Centers

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January 12, 2017 – Recently, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services awarded funds to addiction treatment centers, including Discovery House of Calais and Acadia Hospital of Bangor. This is a triumph for Maine addiction treatment centers. They spent many years defending their very existence.

The Role of Addiction Treatment Centers

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Discovery House Program Director, Brent Miller, speaking out in a 2013 Bangor City Council meeting.

Discovery House Program Director, Brent Miller frequently met with community members and state officials. The goal was to increase funding, decrease overdoses, and to correct the stigma associated with addiction and forms of treatment. After countless media interviews, town hall meetings, and organization collaborations, he brought Discovery House to the forefront of the fight. Brent became a voice for patients, families, and even competitor clinics that were facing the challenge of being defunded. As he told The Bangor Daily News, “I think people are starting to understand that opiate addiction treatment is essential to solving the problem and getting a handle on the disease…”

Enough is Enough

Communities nationwide are reluctant when hearing of a methadone clinic opening in their town. The mantra, “not in my backyard,” has become a typical response. However, we know more about the nature of addiction now. Unfortunately, many have learned this through personal tragedy and loss. In 2012, the overdose count reached 163 people in the State of Maine. Enough was enough for Mainers when overdoses in 2016 exceeded 270. Treatment needed to be an effort supported by officials and members of the community alike.

Purpose of the Funds

DHHS funds awarded a total of $2.4 million. The sole purpose is to support medication-assisted treatment programs. This money will not increase the allowable patient count at these treatment programs. However, it will help to fund treatment for low-income and non-insured patients. This is excellent progress toward supporting those already in recovery, and an encouraging sign for those seeking recovery.

Learn about the SMART Solution or get to know other SMART EHR partners.

http://bangordailynews.com/2016/12/20/news/bangor/bangor-to-see-influx-of-funds-to-fight-drug-addiction/

http://bangordailynews.com/2016/07/16/news/bangor/officials-defend-mission-after-lepage-says-hes-trying-to-close-methadone-clinics/

https://bangordailynews.com/2016/12/12/news/bangor/bangor-council-rescinds-methadone-clinic-ordinance/?ref=topStories4Thumb

http://bangordailynews.com/2016/12/20/politics/lepage-plan-to-add-2-4-million-for-addiction-treatment-wins-praise/?ref=relatedSidebar

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SSTAR Opens Research Facility

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SSTAR CEO, Nancy Paull

SSTAR, a substance-abuse treatment organization, is formulating plans for an addiction treatment research facility in Fall River, MA. “It will be a small part of a full treatment center,” said CEO Nancy E. Paull. “I’m not building a methadone clinic. I’m building a research and treatment facility.” According to The Herald News, this facility will be complete with inpatient treatment, outpatient clinical services, and will perform research into programs and therapies. One possible location is the former home of Border City Mill No. 3 intersecting Weaver and West streets. This building was lost in a fire of February of this year.

Plans call for a research facility with 60 beds (30 of which are for individuals) in their detox program with 30 more servicing those in need of rehabilitation. Furthermore, this will be supplemented with an outpatient medication-assisted treatment program. “We’ll expand our treatment services,” Paull said. “It will allow us to expand our research. It will allow us to increase primary care.”

For 40 years, SSTAR has dedicated themselves to providing a range of mental health and substance abuse treatment services. Because of this, they recognize the extent of the opioid crisis and the tremendous need for their services in Fall River. Yet, they’re only capable of handling 20% of those in need of in-patient treatment. “There is a huge demand for services that we are not able to meet,” Paull said. No official sale was made, but a decision is expected within the next 30 to 60 days.

About SSTAR

Stanley Street Treatment and Resources (SSTAR) is a non-profit health care and social service agency. They serve Southeastern Massachusetts communities with a wide-range of mental health and substance abuse treatment services. SSTAR programs are licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Department of Mental Health Retardation.

Learn more

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Spectrum Health Care’s New EHR

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Spectrum-Health-Care-Team-During-SMART-Training-copy SMART is honored to announce that Spectrum Health Care, Inc. has chosen the SMART Solution as their EHR of choice. Our EHR has been implemented in their clinic in Jersey City, NJ. Spectrum Health has been providing outpatient opioid treatment services to the people of Hudson County since 1984. SMART welcomes this CARF-Accredited opioid treatment provider to our family of software customers.

It was a joy meeting the clinic staff and to learning more about their individual needs and experiences. We worked side-by-side with them to configure the software to their needs. Then we establish system settings to support their workflow and increase efficiency in daily operations. With any implementation, there is a great deal of information to collect, transfer, and protect. And training on any new EHR involves a fair amount of one-on-one guidance. This ensures that the partner’s needs are thoroughly captured and that goals are clearly expressed. Both teams were pleased with the outcome and are excited for the future this new partnership.

Check out our training photos!

About Spectrum Health Care, Inc.

Spectrum Health CareSpectrum Health Care, Inc. is a private, non-profit, CARF accredited agency funded by the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Addiction Services. Located in Jersey City and serving residents of Hudson County, SHC provides a complete range of coordinated opioid treatment services in a professional and dynamic out-patient care setting. Learn more

Telemedicine and Hepatitis Treatment

Thinking Outside the Clinic – Telemedicine and Hepatitis Treatment

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People affected by substance use disorder often suffer from other physical or mental illnesses. Those in addiction treatment already face the challenges of consistently making it to treatment and staying sober. Co-occurring disorders like heroin addiction and Hepatitis C generate many additional obstacles which can lead to patients putting treatment of select health related issues (like hep C) on the back burner. Although this virus may not present the same urgency as withdrawal, “70%–85% for people who become infected with Hepatitis C, it becomes a long-term, chronic infection.” ¹

Telemedicine and Hepatitis Treatment Some addiction treatment providers are taking an extra step to ensure that their patients healthcare needs are addressed using telemedicine. This is defined by SAMHSA as “…Two-way, real time interactive communication between the patient, and the physician or practitioner at the distant site. This electronic communication means the use of interactive telecommunications equipment that includes, at a minimum, audio and video equipment…”² Providing this service to patients with the co-occurring disorders has been shown to help address the neglected portions of their personal healthcare.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) recently awarded a 5 year, $7 million grant to a professor of medicine at University of Buffalo to support his efforts in addressing the spread of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among drug users who share needles.³ As our nation continues to deal with the opioid epidemic, Hepatitis C has increase immensely.  However, the UB study is presenting positive outcomes as a result of the virtual integration of telemedicine. Read more in the full article by UB³

1.) http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/

2.) http://www.samhsa.gov/section-223/care-coordination/telehealth-telemedicine

3.) http://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2016/05/052.html#sthash.66i7HemH.dpuf

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Community Substance Abuse Centers

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About

Community Substance Abuse Treatment Centers Community Substance Abuse Treatment Centers (CSAC) has been providing methadone dosing and counseling services since 1989. These services include treatment with methadone and other medications in combination with individual, group and family counseling. As a privately owned CARF accredited treatment provider they serve residents of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Connecticut.

CSAC also has a commitment to high quality care and are dedicated to treating each patient with compassion. They strongly believe that quality treatment depends upon having qualified employees. Furthermore, their treatment team is comprised of multidisciplinary professionals who are committed to providing excellent patient care.

Testimonial

“The efficiencies resulting from utilizing the SMART system, especially billing functions, has enabled us to devote more time to patient care.”

– Community Substance Abuse Centers

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Boston Public Health

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boston public health commissionAbout

The Boston Public Health Commission’s Behavioral Health Services program works to treat individuals affected by addiction. They are licensed by the Department of Public Health. BPHC provides treatment personalized to each addiction treatment patients recovery goals. Their outpatient treatment program includes individualized substance abuse counseling, case management services, vocational resources and relapse prevention services. Moreover, their recovery support services incorporate high-quality, comprehensive, gender-specific and culturally appropriate treatment.

Testimonial

“The SMART system provides real time information that allows staff to feel confident in their clinical decisions.”
– Boston Public Health

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Greenwich House, Inc. – NYC

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About

Greenwich House was founded in 1902 to help Greenwich Village’s growing immigrant population adjust to life in New York City. While Greenwich Village has changed dramatically over the years, their mission has remained: to help individuals and families lead more fulfilling lives by offering social and health services, cultural and education programs and opportunities for civic involvement to New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds. Each year, it provides nearly 12,000 New Yorkers with social, medical and cultural programs, all aimed at providing personal growth and enrichment. Since their founding, they have served nearly one million New Yorkers.

Greenwich House’s Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program provides individuals dependent on opioids, including heroin, with high-quality, personalized care to help overcome their addictions. Patients voluntarily come to the clinic and are treated with dignity and compassion as they receive individualized medical care, counseling and supportive services that help to improve their quality of life, promote self-sufficiency and connections within the community.

Learn more

Testimonial

“The treatment plan is fantastic! It makes it easier for me to be able to put a plan together. It is one of the greatest features! Also the psycho-social summary is direct and straight to the point.”    

– Intake Counselor

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Controversial Solution. What We Need to Do is Save Lives.

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Boston-Health-Care-for-the-Homeless-ProgramMay 2016 – The Boston Globe reported on a new unorthodox measure that has been taken by Boston Healthcare to prevent overdose deaths. Fatigued and frustrated by multiple overdose occurrences in their waiting rooms each week, Boston Health Care for the Homeless has opened a place specifically to care for these overdose victims. The SPOT (Supportive Place for Observation and Treatment), is a repurposed room in their facility that is staffed by an addiction nurse and case manager. They provide a safe and medically monitored place for people to go for help as they are coming down from a high. The goal is to contribute to the reduction of overdose deaths in the Boston area.²

This solution has received some tough criticisms. Nurse practitioner at Boston Medical Center and the Gavin Foundation Brianne Fitzgerald believes, “It’s ridiculous… it’s one of the highest forms of enabling, and it gives up hope on people who use IV drugs.” However, others still point to the notion of trying different methods to at least help reduce overdose numbers. “…with the level of pandemic we’re dealing with — and I say pandemic because it’s no longer just an epidemic — any effort to get this problem under control is a worthwhile experiment.” said former state senator Steven Tolman.² Read the full article or learn more about SPOT.

1.) https://www.bhchp.org/news/planned-spot-center-780-albany-street]

2.) https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2016/04/25/overwhelmed-overdose-epidemic-health-clinic-offers-room-for-supervised-highs/vQ61K3jao0vXNUPHK0iQhP/story.html