Media Links
Swedish Podcast
Chronic Pain podcast
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker's Keilah Pomeroy and Tracey Alta have a discussion on the current landscape of the pain crisis and treatment struggles.
King 5 Interview, Tracey Alta
depression during the holiday season
Loss, loneliness or being overwhelmed are just a few of the most common reasons people may feel depressed or sad during the holidays says Tracey Alta, Behavioral Health Social Worker from Swedish Medical Center.
When dealing with loss in the face of the holiday season, Alta suggests surrounding oneself with friends and family to create the feeling of inclusion. The same principles can be applied to those dealing with loneliness.
MABT work at Country Doctor
News from The Association September-October 2019
Health Center Spotlight: Country Doctor Community Health
In King County, the number of drug overdose deaths has increased by 50% in the last decade. Two-thirds of all drug overdose deaths involved opioid use. In 2017, Country Doctor Community Health Centers began their Office-Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT) program in two Seattle based primary care clinics where they provide the evidence-based medications buprenorphine and naltrexone used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). The organization has responded to the opioid epidemic by integrating an OBOT program with our primary care services.
Country Doctor has adapted the OBOT Nurse Care Manager model to the medical setting to enhance feasibility and access to treatment. The Lead OBOT RNs support the program by managing nurse-to-provider conversion appointments for intake and follow ups, insurance/pharmacy support and referrals to substance use disorder and mental health services. Between two clinics, Country Doctor has 24 buprenorphine waivered medical providers (nearly all regular providers), 12 of which are approved for the 100 patient limit. Patients can access OBOT services in clinic or by calling the OBOT program at 206-299-1999.
Since the OBOT program began, Country Doctor has served over 284 patients, including both medication inductions and those transferring into care as well as simultaneously accessing primary care services . CDCHC has steadily maintained a retention rate around 55% since adopting low-barrier principles, such as offering but not requiring behavioral health involvement and not dismissing patients from treatment for using non-opioid substances. Country Doctor is listed with the Washington Recovery Helpline , with no additional marketing of the program. Most patients are referred by another patient. "Word of Mouth".
The care team and funding sources have grown significantly to accommodate program expansion. The program began with one Lead OBOT RN and now has four. Country Doctor started with one grant and now have five funding sources. The first in King County, CDCHC will soon offer low-barrier evening and weekend OBOT services thanks to funding from HealthierHere, King County’s Accountable Community of Health . As part of this project, CSCHC is partnering with jails and emergency departments to offer patients at high-risk for relapse and overdose an opportunity to engage in life-saving OUD medication treatment.