Butler, Pa (April 21, 2022) -- Recognized among a select number of facilities statewide, the Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center was named a Center of Excellence for inpatient treatment of opioid use disorders by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
Gaiser is among several dozen Pennsylvania substance use disorder treatment providers, primary care practices, hospitals and federally qualified health centers evaluated and selected as Centers of Excellence skilled at identifying and treating individuals with opioid addiction issues.
"It’s gratifying to be recognized among an elite group of centers uniquely equipped to assist individuals struggling with opioid use disorders,” said Joseph Mahoney, LSW, Gaiser’s executive director. “Achieving Center of Excellence status was a top priority for Gaiser in 2022, and we’re thrilled about the opportunities the designation will bring in terms of expanding and enhancing our medical and community-based services."
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. Physical, mental and behavioral health issues are addressed and peer-to-peer support is provided through a care management team including social workers, counselors, certified recovery specialists, nurses, peer navigators, care managers and physicians.
Social support like job training, childcare and housing, transportation and educational support services may be coordinated by the Center of Excellence through a network of community partners.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf introduced the Center of Excellence initiative in 2016 in response to a widespread overdose crisis. The Department of Human Services says 10 Pennsylvanians are lost each day to substance abuse and Pennsylvania had the third highest incidence of overdose in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
An established leader in long-term substance use disorder treatment, Gaiser’s inpatient program provides evidence-based, trauma-informed, gender-specific care incorporating the latest advances in Medication Assisted Treatment under the direction of a board-certified addiction medicine physician.
"Center of Excellence designation facilitates an expansion of services which will enable us to identify and treat more individuals struggling with opioid use," said C. Thomas Brophy, DO, Gaiser’s medical director. "We’re fully committed to decreasing overdose deaths and empowering this vulnerable population to live healthier lives."
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. Building 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
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