Expansion of medication assisted treatment and recovery services being offered in Franklin area

FRANKLIN — Patients of HealthFirst, and any member of the community, can now access expanded recovery services in Laconia and Franklin thanks to a collaboration between HealthFirst and the Greater Tilton Area Family Resource Center.

Medication Assisted Treatment is the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies for the treatment of substance use disorders. This combination of therapies is effective and can help some patients to sustain recovery. HealthFirst offers medication assisted treatment and medication assisted recovery. The MAT/MAR program at HealthFirst was initiated to address the current opioid crisis. People from all walks of life have become dependent on opioid medications (Vicodin, Percocet, Oxycodone) and substances (Heroin and Fentanyl). HealthFirst’s patient-centered approach values and encourages treatment of the whole patient, including mind and body, physical and emotional. They have assembled a specialized team dedicated to helping patients achieve sobriety and live a life free of substances with a goal to help patients learn to live without drugs by developing healthier coping skills during their course of treatment.

MAT/MAR and recovery support services have been available at HealthFirst Family Care Center in Laconia and Franklin, but thanks to this new collaboration, services are now being expanded to better serve the greater Franklin area via the Greater Tilton Area’s Family Resource Center which is opening its doors on 175 Central St. in Franklin NH. The new GTA-FRC Franklin site will be opening in late December 2020. Walk-ins are welcome between 10 a.m.-5 p.m. HealthFirst will have a MAT provider and a licensed alcohol and drug counselor at the site various days of the week. GTA-FRC Executive Director, Michelle Lennon states, “we recognize that everyone’s path to recovery is unique to them and HealthFirst and the GTA-FRC are working together to create a customized, comprehensive treatment and recovery support plan for each individual based on their recovery and life goals. Recovery coaches have personal experience and operate as peers. It really makes a difference in our ability to support people through early recovery and for the long haul. Sustaining recovery can be hard work, and it helps to have someone who has that lived experience.”

HealthFirst’s Director of Behavioral Health, Ashley Douthart adds, “by offering all of our services under one roof, our patient-centered approach model focuses on treatment of the whole patient while helping individuals develop coping skills to assist them on their path to recovery. People in the program are encouraged and supported at all levels of their recovery journey.”

Douthart continues, “our MAT/MAR program is designed to help those who are struggling with substance use disorder. Our clinical model is such that when a patient seeks services, he/she is set up with an appointment with both a medical provider and either a LADC or a Behavioral Health provider for intake and assessment prior to beginning their Suboxone treatment. The MAT clinic model includes a visit with the Medical Assistant/Nurse, the Medical Provider waivered to prescribe MAT, and a LADC. The LADC makes “check-in” rounds with the patients to ensure their treatment plan is in effect and to provide supports to the patient. The patient also has the option of seeking additional resources and support with the Certified Recovery Support Worker, who can assist with connecting individuals with other community resources such as assistance with insurance and various other needs. While medication is effective, it is only one part of our treatment program for opioid use disorders, and our integrated approach will allow for all patients to access all of the recovery supports they need.”

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a substance use or addiction-related challenge, call HealthFirst today at (603) 934-1464 to learn more about how our MAT/MAR program can help.