OSF HealthCare Launches Addiction Treatment Service
Substance use disorders affect every community, neighborhood and income level. Addiction is a widely spreading epidemic across the nation. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 130 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids every day. A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry also concluded that nearly one in every eight American adults is an alcoholic.
OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart Medical Center is striving to be a beacon of hope for those grappling with an addiction, and has launched a new service to help. OSF Sacred Heart is now partnering with Evergreen Healthcare Partners to offer the StepOne ServiceSM.
The StepOne ServiceSM is a hospital-based service available for adults struggling with addiction and withdrawal symptoms. It starts with an inpatient stay, but participants will get the support they need throughout their journey, including an individual discharge plan to help the individual stay on a path to success.
“We anticipate that they’ll only be with us for 3-5 days to get them through those early withdrawal symptoms. During that time our team working with them is case-managing their particular situation and preparing them for that next step. So whether that’s an intensive inpatient rehab program, a community outpatient based rehab program, whatever that next step is, they will have a plan before they’re discharged from us,” explained Jennifer Compton, Vice President of Ancillary Services and Hospital Administration, OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart Medical Center.
The goal of the StepOne ServiceSM is to help get participants started on a path free of their substance use disorders. To qualify, individuals must be in the process of withdrawal and must voluntarily start the service.
“This is elective, not directive. So they’re not told they have to go through this or go to jail,” said Compton. “They are calling to say, ‘I’m ready to make a change in my life, so I want to come into your program.’ So they’re already coming with a perceived level of dedication. They believe they’re ready.”
StepOne ServiceSM candidates can call OSF Sacred Heart (217) 443-5000, ext. 8401. They will be screened by a StepOne ServiceSM staff member to determine the nature of their health status prior to admission.
From there, medical professionals will use a proactive approach to treatment, to alleviate the most intense symptoms of withdrawal. These symptoms are often the major obstacles to successful treatment when an individual seeks help in an outpatient setting.
For Compton, she sees a bright future for the StepOne ServiceSM and hopes that this new venture will make a real difference in Vermilion County and in the lives of those suffering with addiction.
“That we have individuals being able to turn their lives around and be successful would be the best dream ever,” she said.
This service is covered by most insurance plans accepted by the hospital.
For more information about the StepOne ServiceSM (217) 443-5000, ext. 8401.