Cooperative program addresses overdose deaths

THE PHYSICIAN consult program is designed to offer interested physicians immediate assistance with patients who may be at high risk for misuse of opioid medication.
THE PHYSICIAN consult program is designed to offer interested physicians immediate assistance with patients who may be at high risk for misuse of opioid medication.

WARWICK – The R.I. Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals Director Craig Stenning and Bridgemark President and CEO Christine Harkins recently announced a new pilot program offered by Bridgemark Addiction Recovery Services in Warwick. Mayor Scott Avedisian joined state and community leaders at Warwick City Hall for the announcement of the new program to address overdose deaths in the state of Rhode Island. Department of Health Director Dr. Michael Fine also spoke at the event.

The physician consult program is designed to offer interested physicians immediate assistance with patients who may be at high risk for misuse of opioid medication.
“This is a very tangible step in our efforts to prevent overdose deaths,” said Craig Stenning. “The goal of this program is to ensure early identification of individuals who may be at high risk for addiction and provide them with the help they need.”
Avedesian cited Bridgemark’s experience in the recovery field.
“Bridgemark has been a leader in addiction recovery programs and services, and Christine and her staff are constantly exploring ways to make these services more comprehensive and inclusive of other groups who share their goals,” Avedisian said. “I encourage physicians to take advantage of this program and thank Bridgemark for offering it.”
Physicians and other healthcare providers are important partners in addressing the reality of addiction as a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment, monitoring and support.
“We have all learned this year that the most effective way to get those in need into treatment right away is through collaboration,” said Fine. “This new Physician Consult Program at Bridgemark is a major step toward bringing together Rhode Island physicians with effective, appropriate treatment resources.”
Physicians will have several options when scheduling assessments for chemical dependency. A patient may be seen as quickly as within an hour of the physician’s referral, within three business days following the doctor’s call or at the patient’s next scheduled office visit with the physician.

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