There is an urgent need for expanded substance use crisis stabilization services in Maryland. And with a recorded 174.1 drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people in Baltimore alone – the highest rate in the country – the need has to be met now.
Gaudenzia, the leading nonprofit substance use disorder treatment and recovery provider in Maryland, is quickly answering the call through its newly established Park Heights Withdrawal Assessment and Recovery Management Services (W.A.R.M.S.) program. The program, located at 4615 Park Heights Avenue in Baltimore, Md., will provide 24/7 on-demand access to crisis stabilization, screening, assessment, buprenorphine induction, and referral for Baltimore City adults with substance use disorder (SUD) and complex behavioral health needs.
We sat down with Kristy Blalock, LCPC, LCADAS, MAC, NCC, BCPC, CADS, Executive Director for Gaudenzia Chesapeake Region, to learn more.
Describe what the Park Heights W.A.R.M.S. Program is and how it will help individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder.
Gaudenzia’s Park Heights W.A.R.M.S. program will be a 24/7, 365-day low-barrier and immediate access program where a person will receive a substance use assessment and medical triage with immediate admission into a treatment program appropriate for their needs. Anyone can be referred to this program – they can be self-referred, family-referred, or dropped off by police or a crisis response provider. They will be assessed by our medical team and treated for any immediate psychiatric or medical needs that would prohibit them from benefiting from substance use treatment.
Why is the Park Heights W.A.R.M.S. program necessary?
This program will help individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder because they do not have to be referred by a hospital or provider or wait for a traditional admission time. It provides immediate access to treatment and is available 24 hours a day. Also, because of its low barrier admission eligibility, this will allow a person in a substance use crisis to immediately be in a safe and welcoming environment where they can receive evidence-based treatment.
What does the need look like in Baltimore City for recovery support?
Baltimore City has the highest number of drug overdoses for a city with a population of over 500,000. Having the ability for more providers to accept admissions during non-traditional treatment hours while removing as many barriers as possible for treatment eligibility is crucial to saving lives. This will enable people to be off the street in times of crisis and to be somewhere safe so that they can receive the appropriate assessments needed for treatment.
What does it mean to Gaudenzia to have the support from the Opioid Operational Command Center (OOCC) to fund this program?
Gaudenzia is proud to partner with the OOCC on efforts that support our mission of long-term recovery for those suffering from a substance use disorder. We are grateful for the OOCC’s ability to fund various recovery and treatment related initiatives as it gives providers like Gaudenzia, the ability to think innovatively on combating the addiction epidemic. We value our relationship with the OOCC and the opportunities they support to further our mission and to partner with other agencies to improve services in the community.
What are other kinds of services Gaudenzia provides for those impacted by substance use disorder in Maryland?
Gaudenzia is proud to offer the full continuum of care certified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), ranging from withdrawal management to outpatient services. All our programs provide mental health treatment for co-occurring disorders, including medication management and induction and maintenance of medication assisted treatment (MAT). We have been providing crisis stabilization and 24-hour assessment services since 2019. We also provide state care coordination services in all the jurisdictions where we operate programs, as well as being awarded harm reduction services grants across the state- including being the first substance use treatment facility in Maryland to operate a safe syringe service program. This comprehensive continuum of services allows us to serve over 6,000 clients a year across Maryland who need behavioral health care.
How can those in need find out about the Park Heights W.A.R.M.S. Program or other programs and services by Gaudenzia?
They can learn more by visiting our website at Park Heights W.A.R.M.S. Program – Gaudenzia or by calling our 24-hour Treatment and Referral HelpLine at 1-833-976-4357. At any point of the day, a person seeking treatment or recovery resources can call and speak with one of our professionals who will provide resources, an over-the-phone screening for immediate admission into treatment, and transportation if needed.