Butler, Pa (August 22, 2022) -- The Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center will provide medication management and counseling services to inmates at Butler County Prison, aiding incarcerated individuals with addictions as they prepare for a healthy re-entry to society.

The county prison board approved a one-year contract with Gaiser, which is effective September 1 and renewable at the end of the term.

The Gaiser Center is at the forefront of Medication Assisted Treatment trends, which use prescription medications to help treat issues related to substance use disorders. Gaiser Medical Director C. Thomas Brophy, DO is a board-certified addiction medicine and emergency medicine physician with expertise in the rapidly expanding field of MAT.

“This new relationship is emblematic of our desire to build strong community partnerships that enable us to meet patients where they are,” said Gaiser Executive Director Joe Mahoney. “We’re continually building our MAT offerings and these prescription treatments coupled with addiction counseling and educational support provide the strongest opportunity for positive outcomes and long-term recovery.”

Recognized among a select number of facilities statewide by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Gaiser is a Center of Excellence for inpatient treatment of opioid use disorders. Centers of Excellence are designed not only to treat individuals for addiction, but to improve their overall health and wellbeing, coordinating care across multiple domains.

This holistic treatment encompassing physical, mental and behavioral health issues along with a host of social issues is ideal for addressing various challenges incarcerated individuals will face as they leave prison.

At Butler County Prison, Glade Run Lutheran Services will provide case management services to connect inmates with practical support they will need upon release, such as educational, transportation, housing and employment assistance.

“These new partnerships are key to the success of our efforts to prepare offenders to successfully reintegrate into society,” said Butler County Prison Warden Joe DeMore. “By addressing individual’s addiction issues, we equip them to adopt a healthy lifestyle, make good choices and avoid subsequent incarceration, which benefits not only the individuals, but also their families and the citizens of Butler County.”

About the Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center
The Gaiser Center enjoys a reputation as western Pennsylvania’s longest running and most experienced treatment program for alcohol and substance use disorders. Named to honor the legacy of longstanding executive director Ellen O’Brien Gaiser, the Gaiser Center evolved from a men’s drop-in program to a comprehensive regional resource focused on long-term treatment options for both men and women. Recognized as a Pennsylvania Center of Excellence for opioid use disorder treatment, Gaiser builds on more than 50 years of service to the community. Our experienced and compassionate staff and modern facilities position us as a leader in addiction treatment delivering proven therapeutic innovations with unparalleled emotional and peer support for clients and their families.

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Contact:
Jennifer Davis
Ideality Communications
Phone: 412-527-8642
Email