PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 17, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CleanSlate Centers, a national leader in office-based opioid treatment (OBOT), today announced the opening of a new treatment center dedicated to providing immediate access to anyone who needs the medical group’s support or services. The new center is committed to combatting opioid addiction that is plaguing Philadelphia, where the epidemic claimed 907 lives in 2016 alone.
“Through our relationships with local elected officials, payor partners and community groups, we’ve been made acutely aware of the desperate need for safe, effective addiction treatment options in Philadelphia,” said Gregory Marotta, President and CEO of CleanSlate Centers. “We want anyone struggling with the disease of addiction to know we’re here and we’re passionate about helping them achieve the life they want and deserve.”
Pennsylvania, which ranks sixth in the country in opioid-related overdose deaths, continues to struggle under the weight of the national crisis, with opioid-related hospital admissions quadrupling since 2010.
CleanSlate has taken steps to make treatment more accessible in Philadelphia through a new agreement with Keystone First, a Blue Cross Medical Assistance (Medicaid) product and the largest Medicaid managed care product in southeastern Pennsylvania.
“As the opioid epidemic continues to impact the health of members and the well-being of our communities, we must amplify prevention efforts and make treatment more accessible,” said Joanne McFall, market president for Keystone First. "Through the integration of physical and behavioral health care, we look forward to working with CleanSlate to help members on their road to recovery by treating the whole person, giving them a better opportunity to stay well.”
The new center – located at 1500 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard in South Philadelphia – began seeing patients on Dec. 11. This marks the group’s fourth location in the state, joining centers in Williamsport, Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, which were declared Centers of Excellence by Governor Wolf’s administration. CleanSlate has provided care to more than 1,300 patients through its existing Pennsylvania centers. In 2018, CleanSlate will expand significantly in Pennsylvania. This will include adding a second center in Philadelphia.
“We treat thousands of patients in 34 centers across the country, and no two patients – or communities - are alike,” said Maria Russo-Appel, M.D., Eastern Division Medical Director for CleanSlate. “That’s why we offer individualized medication-assisted treatment plans that are tailored to our patients’ specific needs and care coordination services that help with external issues like housing, transportation, food, shelter and more. We stand by our patients every step of the way. If you or someone you know needs help, the journey to recovery can start now.”
CleanSlate’s award-winning program of care, which includes appropriate medication-assisted treatment prescribed by providers, clear accountability and supportive counseling, sets the group apart from methadone programs in the area – many of which have extensive waitlists and offer fewer services.
With approximately 7,000 active patients today across 34 centers nationwide and a decade-long track record, the medical group continues to underscore its commitment to expanding access to those in need of treatment by aggressively growing its footprint.
For more information or to schedule an appointment at any of the medical group’s Pennsylvania centers, please call 570-904-6000 or visit http://www.cleanslatecenters.com.
About CleanSlate Centers
A pioneer and leader in outpatient addiction medicine, CleanSlate Centers is a national medical group which provides treatment for the chronic disease of addiction, primarily opioid and alcohol use disorders. Founded in 2009 in response to the growing opioid epidemic facing the country, the company is a growing, multi-state network of physician-led outpatient addiction treatment centers where patients who have addiction and associated disorders can receive medication-assisted treatment and related therapies using the highest quality, evidence-based practices.
For more information, please visit CleanSlateCenters.com.
Media Contact:
Tana Watanabe
312-837-3457
twatanabe@cleanslatecenters.com