Reaching out to recapture lives.
Ohio leads the nation in opiate abuse. In 2015, the unintentional drug overdose rate in Ohio was twice that of the U.S. average with over 700 million doses of opioids prescribed.
Across our communities, we have a priority to help put an end to to opioid epidemic. Several programs have been established across our regions to help achieve our goal.
National Recognition for our Work in Fight Against Opioid Epidemic
Mercy Health Director of Operations for Behavioral Health Services, Dr. Navdeep Kang has been selected to join the inaugural 2018 Obama Foundation Fellows class. Dr. Kang was chosen from more than 20,000 applicants from 191 countries. He will join a two-year, non-residential program that brings together 20 leaders representing 11 countries around the world who are creating transformational change on many of the world's most pressing problems. Dr. Kang was selected to continue his work at Mercy Health building a regional collaborative network to treat addiction and develop a comprehensive continuum of care for patients struggling with opiate addiction.
Screening
Through federal grant money, a new method for screening has been rolled out in several of our hospitals to help identify those at risk for substance abuse.
Individuals are assessed for drug and alcohol use, if they're determined to be at risk, behavioral health specialists talk to individuals about usage and treatment is arranged.
Outpatient treatment
With individualized treatment plans and clinical guidance by our qualified, licensed professionals, people with addiction learn to address factors in their lives that contribute to their abuse of alcohol, drugs and tobacco.Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Offering a new level of care to meet the sobriety needs of individuals struggling with addiction. IOP offers extended hours of clinical treatment during the program to provide structured psychosocial education, group therapy and sobriety skills.Detoxification
Individuals struggling with opiates or alcohol addiction can experience extreme physical discomfort when stopping the opiate or alcohol drug.
Individuals struggling with addictions often require medical intervention to help with their recovery process. Detoxification from opiates and alcohol can be uncomfortable. We provide the screening process to assist in the journey toward recovery. We strive to offer easy access to care by providing same day to next day screenings.
Prevention and education
We provide free community programs to help others avoid alcohol, drugs and tobacco abuse.
As part of our service to the community we:
- Teach children and adults about alcohol, drugs and tobacco
- Give educational presentation for schools, churches and other organizations
- Participate at local health fairs and company programs