Margaret Mary Health Program Could Help Franklin County Overcome Drug Addiction

Thursday, September 20, 2018 at 9:45 AM

By Mike Perleberg @mikedup84

Intensive outpatient addiction services will be offered at the Health Center of Brookville starting October 1.

Pictured: Members of MMH’s addiction services team include Nikki King, Manager of Behavioral Health and Addiction Services; Lindsey Gessendorf, Licensed Clinical Social Worker; Joshua Harrison, PsyD, HSPP, Clinical Director; Tracy Craft, Peer Recovery Coach and Tom Deters, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Photo provided.

(Brookville, Ind.) - Margaret Mary Health is making addiction treatment available in Brookville.

The healthcare provider says a 2016 assessment of local health needs showed Franklin County was in dire need of substance abuse treatment. With a drug-induced death rate higher than the state and nation, the county’s single-most pressing health concern was identified as drug abuse.

MMH President and CEO Tim Putnam says the company cannot look the other way when it comes to the complicated task of developing a comprehensive addiction services program.

The health care provider will begin offering intensive outpatient addiction services at the Health Center of Brookville starting October 1. The center is located on 11137 U.S. 52.

“We recognize that making a significant impact on this epidemic will be difficult on our own. MMH will need to create partnerships with individuals and local organizations who are also working with people with addictions. We strongly believe by bringing the right resources together, we can make a positive impact and help save lives in the community.”

To be accepted into the new program, individuals must be referred by a healthcare provider. Addicts who go through the program will be overseen by a doctor, a clinician, and a peer recovery coach.

The treatment will be coordinated with each recovering addict’s primary care physician.

“Intensive outpatient programs are an important part of the continuum of care for alcohol and drug misuse. They can be very effective in treating individuals who are seeking care and assistance with overcoming an addiction,” said Dr. Joshua Harrison, MMH Clinical Director.

More addiction help is coming for Indiana. Also on Wednesday, the Trump administration awarded Indiana more than $25 million to fight the opioid epidemic, largely by expanding access to treatment and recovery services.

$18 million will fund several initiatives to reduce drug overdose deaths and make opioid abuse treatment medications available. Another $7 million will be administered through the Health Resources and Services Administration, to go toward 26 community health centers, colleges, and rural organizations to expand access to treatment.