WILL ST. E'S NEW 'BRIDGE' PROGRAM FOR OVERDOSE PATIENTS BE A MODEL FOR
Getting overdose patients directly from the emergency room and into treatment is a goal with a new "bridge" program at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Edgewood. Prior to this, overdosed patients were revived, given life-saving naloxone kits and information about treatment options. But they weren't given a medication that can stop their cravings, and they weren't moved directly into addiction treatment. The pilot program, which is planned to extend to other St. Elizabeth hospitals, is one of two ways the healthcare system in Northern Kentucky is expanding treatment for heroin addiction. The emergency-room bridge clinic is among best practices for opioid addiction, according to addiction specialists. The concept is to provide immediate medication to surviving overdose patients and a transition to medication-assisted HEROIN TREATMENT?
treatment programs outside a hospital. That way, patients who are ready for treatment get it fast, instead of walking out of the emergency department and, likely, relapsing once they're out. St. Elizabeth Physicians also is expanding its medication-assisted treatment with a larger clinic that will have more staff. The Journey Recovery Center is at 351 Centre View Blvd. in Crestview Hills. The center provides outpatient care with buprenorphine, which curbs cravings and stabilizes the brain, and injectable naltrexone, non-narcotic that blocks the effects of heroin and other opioids. Patients also are directed to psycho-social counseling, which research shows works in conjunction with the medication. Finally, some patients are
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