Page 14 - Our Hands Fall/Winter 2021
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SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER
SAMARITAS SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER FORUM
A discussion about Michigan’s substance abuse trends and recovery resources
any Michigan communities are struggling with Samaritas SUD
the fallout of Substance Use Disorders (SUD). Stories of Resilience
MEven worse, the Detroit Free Press reported in
July, “Overdose deaths in Michigan increased more Amy,
than 16% between 2019 and 2020.” In October, Anthony A 35 year-old woman was
Muller, Vice President of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) released from prison after being
Services for Samaritas, hosted the Samaritas Substance incarcerated for 5 years on
Use Disorder Forum to share statewide resources for drug-related charges. She was
families struggling with the fallout of substance misuse. seen for her first appointment
within a week of referral, and
Advocates Malkia Newman of CNS Healthcare, she began intensive outpatient,
Margaret Trimer of Delta Dental, Dr. Deidre Hurse of individual, and medicated
Oakland University School of Medicine, and Jessica assisted treatment by early the following week. She is
Kincaid of the Michigan Department of Health and now 6 months sober from prison, has obtained stable
Human Services also discussed the need for more low- employment, she has increased her involvement of
cost SUD services and easier access to services. her children, and both of her children have reported
Jamie Daniels Foundation founder and award-winning increases in their GPAs since she has returned home.
Detroit Red Wings Bally Sports Sportscaster, Ken
Daniels, led this virtual discussion. Visit samaritas.co/
SUDForumRecording to see a recording of this critical
conversation.
Total Health Care Story
The mental health toll of the ongoing COVID pandemic
is real for residents of all ages. Samaritas is committed
to expanding our Behavioral Health and Substance
Use Disorder treatment services to meet growing needs
throughout the state. Innovative telehealth, evidence-
based therapies, a sophisticated electronic health
About the Jamie Daniels Foundation record system to provide integrative care, and clinicians
utilizing a trauma-informed focus will bring healing to substance use disorder
Ken Daniels and Lisa Daniels-Goldman established
the Jamie Daniels Foundation in memory of their late Samaritas’ clients and their families.
son, Jamie, who died from an overdose at the age Samaritas is pleased to announce $250,000 in grant
of 23 while receiving treatment for a Substance Use funding from the Total Health Care Foundation to
Disorder. Despite the support of his family, Jamie’s implement a robust electronic health records (EHR)
life was tragically lost due to substandard care and system, providing long-term data to inform our future
the predatory practices that exist in the billion-dollar care plans. Samaritas will translate social determinants
substance use recovery business. Their hope is to of health into improved care for at-risk foster youth,
save others’ lives by providing education, resources, families, senior citizens, and refugees.
guidance and support to those struggling with
substance use or know someone who is. Learn more The electronic health records system will significantly
about their work with The Children’s Foundation and reduce the clinical staff’s manual efforts, create more
more at jamiedanielsfoundation.org. patient care time, support telehealth expansions, and
reduce healthcare costs. Most importantly, with an EHR
in place, Samaritas will manage insurance complexities
inherent in the behavioral health arena and establish a
replicable delivery model for new markets.
Thank you to the Total Health Care Foundation for
helping Samaritas provide the comprehensive, trauma-
informed mental health treatment so needed by
children, teens, and adults as we reunite and preserve
families in these uncertain times.
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