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In the News! U.S. News & World Report publishes story titled, “Washington Tackles Opioid Use Disorder in its Jails”

October 25, 2019/in News /by Natasha Ash

Originally published in U.S. News and World Report on October 25, 2019

“GARRETT LEONARD, 31, was in and out of jail in Washington from June 2017 through April 2019 for shoplifting charges. He says he was stealing to support his opioid addiction.

During his six stays in jail, which ranged from about nine days to two months, Leonard says he went through withdrawal without any medication. The most help he received was Gatorade at one jail, to help counter his dehydration due to withdrawal, he says.

“When I went to jail the last time … I was withdrawing off fentanyl because most of the heroin in this area is laced with fentanyl, so it was the worst withdrawal I’ve had,” Leonard says.”They typically have an inmate in the detox tank for maybe three to four days, and I was there for eight days,” he says, adding that he didn’t eat for five of those days.” CONTINUE READING HERE

https://crcoly.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/US-News-and-World-Report.png 200 200 Natasha Ash https://crcoly.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CRC_hrz_stack_blk_purple_150-1-300x145.png Natasha Ash2019-10-25 14:28:062019-12-18 14:30:57In the News! U.S. News & World Report publishes story titled, "Washington Tackles Opioid Use Disorder in its Jails"

Capital Recovery Center Now Offers Justice Outreach

October 22, 2019/in News /by Natasha Ash

Many people who develop an Opioid Use Disorder come into contact with the criminal justice system before connecting to other health or social systems. According to research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institutes of Health U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this presents opportunities for intervention and treatment prior to, during, after, or in lieu of incarceration. Studies show that combining criminal justice sanctions with chemical dependency treatment can be effective in decreasing drug misuse and associated crime. Additionally, for incarcerated individuals with substance use disorder, starting chemical dependency treatment in prison and continuing the same treatment upon release results in better outcomes: lower rates of overdose, relapse, and recidivism.

Capital Recovery Center is pleased to welcome Krystal Pierce to the role of Justice Outreach Specialist. The Justice Outreach Specialist (JOS) works with Capital Recovery Center’s Olympia Bupe Clinic (OBC) to help justice-involved individuals in Thurston County with an Opioid Use Disorder access opioid treatment medication. Pierce will coordinate with the correctional facilities, pretrial services, alternative courts, re-entry services, and community corrections to identify, assess, and enroll eligible individuals. In addition, Pierce will provide individuals with information about Opioid Use Disorder, opioid treatment medication, and related services, and will connect individuals to treatment at OBC as appropriate.

Thurston County Treatment Sales Tax funds the position through June 2021. The Treatment Sales Tax (TST) is a local funding stream that works alongside federal and state funding such as Medicaid to meet mental health and substance use needs in Thurston County. Programs funded with TST aim to reduce justice involvement, emergency room use, health care costs, and public assistance.

“I fully support the efforts of Capital Recovery Center’s Olympia Bupe Clinic in response to the ongoing opioid epidemic,” said Thurston County Prosecutor Jon Tunheim.  “We look forward to working closely with Ms. Pierce to forge additional pathways to recovery for criminal justice-involved individuals in Thurston County.”

Previously, Pierce worked as a Nisqually Public Safety Corrections Officer. As a corrections officer, she was able to see firsthand the struggles of incarcerated individuals as they went through unmanaged withdrawal. “I felt very limited in terms of my ability to help these people. In this new role, I have the chance to really work with people in this situation and help provide them with access to treatment.” For more information about Thurston County Treatment Sale Tax, visit: https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/phss/Pages/tst.aspx

“This new program helps create a transition from jail back into the community and can help people get their life back on track and on the road to recovery,” said Meta Hogan, CRC Program Manager. “At Capital Recovery Center, we offer wrap-around peer-supported recovery, supportive employment, or simply referrals to other resources in the community as appropriate.”

https://crcoly.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Krystal-Pierce-2.jpg 473 663 Natasha Ash https://crcoly.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CRC_hrz_stack_blk_purple_150-1-300x145.png Natasha Ash2019-10-22 15:50:152019-10-24 15:14:18Capital Recovery Center Now Offers Justice Outreach

Capital Recovery Center’s Annual Meeting will take place in June

May 21, 2019/in News /by Natasha Ash

Capital Recovery Center’s Annual Meeting typically takes place in May. This year it is postponed until June. Stay tuned for the exact date, time and location.

https://crcoly.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CRC_hrz_stack_blk_purple_150-1-300x145.png 0 0 Natasha Ash https://crcoly.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CRC_hrz_stack_blk_purple_150-1-300x145.png Natasha Ash2019-05-21 10:12:242019-06-28 15:49:11Capital Recovery Center's Annual Meeting will take place in June

King 5 News shares the Olympia Bupe Clinic Story

May 15, 2019/in News /by Natasha Ash

Capital Recovery Center’s Olympia Bupe Clinic is in the news! Thank you, KING 5, for the thoughtful approach to telling our story and sharing the impact our team is having in the community.

https://crcoly.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CRC_hrz_stack_blk_purple_150-1-300x145.png 0 0 Natasha Ash https://crcoly.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CRC_hrz_stack_blk_purple_150-1-300x145.png Natasha Ash2019-05-15 10:27:032019-06-28 15:49:11King 5 News shares the Olympia Bupe Clinic Story

In the News: Olympia drug clinic’s ‘relaxed’ approach helping more people with opioid addiction

May 10, 2019/in News /by Natasha Ash

King 5 News: Olympia drug clinic’s ‘relaxed’ approach helping more people with opioid addiction

A clinic offering a more relaxed approach towards opioid addiction is helping more people than anticipated.
Author: Drew Mikkelsen
Published: 6:08 PM PDT May 10, 2019
Updated: 6:08 AM PDT May 11, 2019

OLYMPIA, Wash. — A “low-barrier” approach to dealing with opioid addiction appears to be working in Olympia. The clinic is one of the first in the nation to offer buprenorphine, or bupe, to patients on a drop-by basis, without any appointment necessary.

Since the Olympia Bupe Clinic opened in January of 2019, managers said more than 200 patients have been helped, a higher number than originally predicted.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

https://crcoly.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CRC_hrz_stack_blk_purple_150-1-300x145.png 0 0 Natasha Ash https://crcoly.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CRC_hrz_stack_blk_purple_150-1-300x145.png Natasha Ash2019-05-10 10:01:092019-12-29 10:02:42In the News: Olympia drug clinic's 'relaxed' approach helping more people with opioid addiction

Olympia Bupe Clinic Tops 200 Patients – Tackles Both the Opioid and Homelessness Crises

April 17, 2019/in News /by Natasha Ash

On Thursday April 11, the Olympia Bupe Clinic (OBC) at Capital Recovery Center (CRC) began treatment of its 200th patient, capping a three-month period of rapid growth and service to the community.

The 200th patient was “Misty,” a 21-year-old female who has been living homeless in Olympia. She started injecting heroin two years ago after her father died from an overdose. She wanted to start medication so she could stop using heroin, return home to her mother and start looking for a job.

OBC opened in downtown Olympia on January 9, 2018, according to Jim Wright, CRC’s Executive Director. It is a walk-in clinic that provides same-day access to buprenorphine (often known by the brand name Suboxone®), a highly effective medicine that treats addiction to heroin or prescription pain pills.

“OBC is one of the first clinics in the country designed specifically to treat high risk patients,” said Mr. Wright. “We especially welcome people who have already experienced adverse effects of drug use such as homelessness, jail time or overdose.”

“The people at highest risk have the hardest time getting access to treatment,” according to Dr. Lucinda Grande, OBC’s Medical Director. “To address this problem, we use a harm reduction model. We provide tools for people to make stepwise improvements to their health and safety.”

“Most of our patients are ready to completely give up using heroin,” says Sofi Harnish, RN, the clinic’s nurse care manager. “But we want to serve even those who are not completely ready. Every day on Suboxone is a safer day, when they are not at risk of an overdose.”

Buprenorphine protects against overdose, withdrawal sickness, and opioid craving, and yet it does not produce a drug high, according to Dr. Grande. It allows people to regain stability and make positive life changes.

The clinic makes it easy for patients to get the medicine, eliminating every conceivable barrier. There are no appointments and no cost. The medicine is dispensed on-site at the time of the visit. Peer recovery coaches greet patients and do new intakes, creating a welcoming atmosphere. They also help patients access other resources.

The clinic has two federal funding sources channeled through Washington State – the Medicaid Transformation Demonstration and the State Opioid Response – and has support from the Thurston Mason Behavioral Health Organization. Additionally, Medicaid pays for most clinic visits and medicines.

OBC is making strides against the stubborn problem of homelessness. In a recent survey done at the clinic by Amanda Bohannon, RN, about one-third of patients noted improvement in their housing situation within weeks of starting the medicine. “Most patients had unstable housing,” said Ms. Bohannon. “People are now reconnecting with their families, who are taking them back into their homes. Many have been able to find and keep jobs, and that helps them afford stable housing.”

Widespread stigma and the high cost of housing remain huge challenges, according to Meta Hogan, director of the OBC peer recovery coach program. “We really need to address housing affordability to overcome homelessness,” she said. “But we are excited to see our patients succeeding.”

Ms. Bohannon’s survey also found that improved mood and self-image were nearly universal after starting buprenorphine. Reduction in both chronic pain and non-opioid drug use was common.

The clinic has rapidly expanded and is now seeing up to 26 patients each evening. With such a large demand, the clinic will soon exceed its capacity. “We, unfortunately, may need to start turning patients away,” said Dr. Grande. “The limiting factor is the shortage of available prescribers.”

The medicine is prescribed by a rotating staff of 13 paid and volunteer physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, most of whom have other full-time jobs. But few other local medical providers have a “waiver,” which is the certification needed to prescribe buprenorphine to treat addiction. The waiver requires several hours of training to understand the medicine and federal regulations.

“Many potential prescribers have not yet stepped forward,” said Dr. Grande. “I think the biggest problem is that they don’t realize how easy and rewarding this is. We all want to save lives, to make a difference. Serving at OBC is a direct way to do just that.”

A free four-hour partial waiver training will be offered at Providence St. Peter Hospital on Friday, May 17th from 9 AM – 1 PM. Contact [email protected] or call 360-493-5583. See the attached media alert.

Mr. Wright passionately believes in OBC’s mission. “I am excited about the rapid progress we have already seen,” he said. “This clinic is having a direct impact on both the opioid and homelessness crises.”

 

Who: Olympia Bupe Clinic at Capital Recovery Center
What: Walk-in clinic for opioid treatment medication (buprenorphine, also known as Suboxone®), same-day treatment, no cost, on-site dispensing. Peer recovery coaches help with basic needs and referrals for long term treatment, counseling, medical care, and housing services.
When: Monday – Friday, 4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Capital Recovery Center, 1000 Cherry Street SE, Olympia, WA 98501. (360) 349-0033. [email protected] | https://crcoly.org/

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About Capital Recovery Center: Capital Recovery Center (CRC), established in 1989, is a not-for-profit, Washington State Certified Behavioral Health Agency, specializing in Co-Occurring Treatment, which integrates substance use disorder and mental health services.

https://crcoly.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CRC_hrz_stack_blk_purple_150-1-300x145.png 0 0 Natasha Ash https://crcoly.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CRC_hrz_stack_blk_purple_150-1-300x145.png Natasha Ash2019-04-17 16:37:192019-06-28 15:49:11Olympia Bupe Clinic Tops 200 Patients - Tackles Both the Opioid and Homelessness Crises

2019 Homeless Count – Point in Time (PIT) Census

January 2, 2019/in News /by Natasha Ash

The Annual Point in Time (PIT) Homeless Census is the way we learn who is homeless and why.  This “point in time” one day count was first pioneered by Olympia area service providers and soon thereafter adopted by the state as the singular annual measurement tool to help guide the investment of federal, state and local funding.

Each year in late January, service providers and volunteers use a confidential questionnaire to gather data, which is entered into a Statewide database called the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to be tracked, analyzed and reported on.  Please note the total PIT Homeless Census number includes people who are:

1)  Unsheltered  living out-of-doors, in vehicles, in sub-standard buildings not fit for human habitation;
2)  Emergency Shelter Short-term 90 day accommodations, either dormitory style or in apartments; and
3)  Transitional Housing Short term housing offering 18 months or less.

In Thurston County, the Census will take place on Thursday, January 24, 2019. For more information about volunteering and donating needed supplies, click here.

In Mason County, the Census will take place on Friday, January 25, 2019.

Crossroads Housing, Community Lifeline, Mason County Public Health, Turning Pointe and HOST homes are collaborating to solicit donations for Mason County’s Homeless Census. These community partners will serve homeless families, homeless individuals, domestic violence survivors, and unaccompanied youth. They would be grateful for a donation of any type or amount. They are specifically looking for:

  • Hats/gloves
  • Tents
  • Sleeping bags meant for colder weather
  • Tarps
  • Batteries
  • Flashlights or lanterns
  • Propane bottles
  • Pop top nonperishable cans of food
  • White cotton or wool socks
  • Bottled water
  • Hot hand and foot warmers
  • Quick dry thermal underwear
  • Dog food

Homeless individuals and families are invited to a free lunch where they’ll be able to collect clothing and cold weather supplies as well as receive haircuts on January 25 at two Mason County locations:

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Community Lifeline, 218 N 3rd Street in Shelton.

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at North Mason Resources, 140 NE State Route 300, Belfair.

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Capital Recovery Center Hires Medical Director, Lucinda Grande, MD

December 20, 2018/in News /by Natasha Ash

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 20, 2018

Capital Recovery Center Hires Medical Director, Lucinda Grande, MD

Olympia, WA – Capital Recovery Center (CRC) is pleased to announce that Lucinda Grande, MD, has accepted the position of Medical Director at CRC and its Olympia Bupe Clinic, which CRC will open in early 2019.

Dr. Grande is a board-certified family physician with six years of experience prescribing buprenorphine at her primary care practice at Pioneer Family Practice in Lacey, where she is a partner. She currently has 75 patients on this treatment. Dr. Grande is a buprenorphine waiver training course instructor through the American Association of Addiction Psychiatry. She advocates at the state and national levels for wider access to opioid treatment medications in correctional institutions, hospitals and drug treatment facilities.

CRC received a two-year State Opioid Response (SOR) grant from the Washington State Healthcare Authority to open the Olympia Bupe Clinic (OBC). OBC is a clinic designed to provide very low barrier short-term same-day access to buprenorphine, a life-saving medicine for treatment of opioid use disorder. The clinic will accept all patients interested in this treatment, with a priority given to those who have already experienced adverse effects of opioid use disorder such as incarceration, medical complications and/or homelessness.

At CRC’s OBC, peer recovery coaches will serve as care navigators to help connect patients with needed services such as medical care. For interested patients, peers in the STR Peer Pathfinder program can help arrange a referral for longer-term substance use treatment at one of several comprehensive programs in the region.  The SOR grant will pay for pharmacy services so providers can dispense medications on site. It will also provide funding to hire a nurse care manager, which will greatly increase the capacity of OBC’s rotating staff of 29 prescribing physicians. The SOR grant supplements OBC’s startup funding obtained through a partnership with the Cascade Pacific Action Alliance.

 

About Capital Recovery Center: Capital Recovery Center, established in 1989, is a not-for profit, Washington State Certified Behavioral Health Agency, specializing in Co-Occurring Treatment, which integrates substance use disorder and mental health services. With integrated treatment, we can best serve individuals and improve outcomes for recovery.

https://crcoly.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Lucinda-Grande-MD.jpg 464 491 Natasha Ash https://crcoly.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CRC_hrz_stack_blk_purple_150-1-300x145.png Natasha Ash2018-12-20 15:41:482019-06-28 15:49:11Capital Recovery Center Hires Medical Director, Lucinda Grande, MD
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Contact Us

Capital Recovery Center

(360) 357-2582

1000 Cherry Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501

Olympia Bupe Clinic

(360) 349-0033

1011 10th Avenue SE
Olympia, WA 98501

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