Pennsylvania faces a significant challenge with drug overdose deaths, ranking third-highest in the nation in 2017. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) notes that only around 20% of those with opioid use disorder (OUD) access treatment. Limited access to evidence-based OUD treatment, including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), further delays entry into programs.
In response, Governor Tom Wolf introduced the Centers of Excellence for Opioid Use Disorder (COE) in 2016. These centers, totaling 45 across the state, aim to address the overdose crisis and overcome barriers to treating patients with OUD. COEs go beyond OUD treatment, providing holistic care covering physical & mental health, and social needs such as housing, transportation, and employment training.
COEs employ community-based care teams to ensure coordinated care across various domains. These teams include Recovery Support personnel, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Counselors, Certified Recovery Specialists, nurses, and peer navigators.
-
Alliance Medical Services of Johnstown
Johnstown, PAAlliance Medical Services in Johnstown, Pennsylvania is a Health Department-designated Center of Excellence. We provide methadone maintenance services, buprenorphine (Suboxone) and Vivitrol treatment, and general outpatient counseling. Centers of Excellence are specifically designed to help people dealing with opioid-related substance abuse disorder receive treatment in their communities while providing a whole-person approach focusing on behavioral health and primary care needs. Our continuum of care includes Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP), General Outpatient Treatment (OP), and Office-Based Opiate Treatment (OBOT).
