The real facts on Fayette methadone treatment
I applaud the 缅北禁地 for recent articles calling attention to the opioid crisis which has caused so much suffering for so many Americans. However, I am unclear why some parties continue to provide inaccurate and misleading information that could cause Fayette County residents to not know about the broad variety of resources and treatments that are available for people seeking help with opioids or other substance abuse.
The Fayette County Behavioral Health Administration (www.fcbha.org) along with the Fayette County Drug and Alcohol Commission (www.fcdaa.org ) and Value Behavioral Health (VBH) (www.vbh-pa.com) have provided access to information and high-quality treatment for years. These organizations are responsible for ensuring ready access to a number of treatment resources that can meet the needs of all county residents in need of assistance.
It is important for all residents to know that Fayette County ensures that all levels of care under Pennsylvania Medicaid are available for individuals enrolled in Medicaid. There are NO WAITING LISTS, unlike some parts of the country where people may wait for weeks or months to access care.
Not only does Fayette County ensure that these services are available, they have regular meetings with Pennsylvania State officials to monitor this work. The Fayette Behavioral Health Provider Network has and continues to satisfy all Commonwealth of Pennsylvania geographic access standards for all levels of care including methadone treatment. In fact, the geographic locations of the methadone in network providers provide less travel time for all patients from their home to the provider. It has been closely monitored to ensure location of services are easily accessible for its members.
Currently, the Fayette provider network has excess capacity for methadone treatment services; therefore, the provider network is closed to any new providers of this service while providing assurance that high quality substance abuse services are readily available locally. Also, it is important to note that none of the methadone in network providers are “dose and go” facilities as erroneously described in a May 28, 2019 缅北禁地 article. Methadone service delivery is monitored by local staff, as well as two separate state departments with reports that patients are receiving counseling at all sites and often more than minimal requirements based on individual need. And there are multiple in network providers, not just one that Fayette residents in need of this service access.
Fayette County works closely with the provider community to ensure ready access to high quality treatment (which is confirmed by the state), so we are puzzled by the statements about “waiting lists” and “lack of access.” Neither of which are a problem in Fayette County (unless an individual chooses to wait for a specific treatment provider, which is their right to do). However, it is not necessary given the hard work and dedication of Fayette County staff.
A number of statements were made about methadone treatment, which is only one approach to recovery for individuals suffering with opioid use disorders. We recognize that research has shown there are many paths to recovery and we support each individual on their right to choose and pursue their recovery. For those that choose methadone, treatment is readily available and can be quickly accessed. However, there are also a number of other treatment options and we support individuals who choose other pathways as well. Here is a summary of the services available for the treatment of substance use disorders in Fayette County:
n Inpatient treatment: including hospital and residential treatment.
n Outpatient treatment: including counseling and therapy at numerous locations, case management, peer recovery services and outpatient detoxification.
n Halfway House treatment: for people needing more extended support.
n Medication Assisted Treatment (called MAT) which includes methadone along with other types of medications.
For those who have more questions or are seeking assistance for themselves or a loved one, we urge you to seek help today. Arm yourself with the facts and get assistance. The following phone numbers and information can serve as a beginning of a new life:
n Value Behavioral Health: 877-688-5972
n Fayette County Behavioral Health Administration: 724-430-1370
n Fayette County Drug and Alcohol Commission: 724-438-3576
n PA Get Help Now Opioid Hotline: 800-662-4357
n Fayette County Network of Care: www.fayette.pa.networkofcare.org/mh/
Lisa Ferris-Kusniar is CEO of the Fayette County Behavioral Health Administration