Vermont Business Magazine Howard Center’s Chittenden Clinic recently announced that it is providing services to 1,000 people between its two sites. In addition, the Clinic, which principally treats opioid addictions,has reduced its waitlist from 750 people in 2013 to fewer than 90 in 2017. The average wait time is 40-50 days.
Dana Poverman, Howard Center Director of Medication Assisted Treatment Programs, says, “While these numbers represent our commitment to provide evidenced-based services in a timely manner, we continue to work with community partners toward the shared goal of achieving access to treatment upon demand, not only for medication assisted treatment but for residential services, as well.
Individuals struggling with addiction find the support they need at the Clinic to make lasting changes in their lives. One client says, “I used to be more worried about getting high and how to get high. I always put that first before anything. Now I am an LNA working where I’ve always wanted to be.”
The Chittenden Clinic site at the University Health Center was the first medication assisted treatment program in the state and opened its doors in 2002 with the support of the University of Vermont Medical School and Fletcher Allen, now the University of Vermont Medical Center. In 2013, Howard Center opened a second location at San Remo Drive in South Burlington.
The medication assisted treatment program provides evidence-based outpatient treatment and pharmacotherapy (methadone and buprenorphine) to individuals who are dependent on opioids. Services are provided within a “hub and spoke” care delivery model, which integrates care with medical and social service providers.
Howard Center offers life-saving professional crisis and counseling services to children and adults; supportive services to individuals with autism and developmental disabilities who need help with education, employment, and life maintenance skills; counseling and medical services for those struggling with substance use disorders, and intensive interventions and supports for adults with serious and persistent mental health challenges. Last year it helped more than 16,000 people. Howard Center is a funded agency of the United Way of Northwest Vermont
Source:howardcenter.org