As one of the nation’s leading healthcare providers for patients battling opioid use disorder (OUD), New Season Treatment Center recognizes the significance of International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). 

This day is an important reminder of the lives lost to overdoses, but it also serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for the future. It’s a day for us to reflect on our collective achievements and recommit to the ongoing fight against the opioid epidemic. 

As we observe IOAD today, we also kick off a month-long recognition of National Recovery Month this September. At New Season Treatment Center, we are committed to honoring this important time by celebrating the progress we’ve made in the fight against opioid use disorder and highlighting the strides we’ve taken to provide better healthcare for our patients. 

Throughout the month of September, we will be engaging in various initiatives and events to support those on their recovery journey, raise awareness, and inspire hope. 

Here’s a quick look back on what we’ve recently done to expand access, reduce stigma, save lives and build wellness. 

Expanding Access to Rural Communities: Mobile Opioid Treatment Unit in Portland, Oregon

One of our most significant recent initiatives is the Summer launch of our mobile opioid treatment unit, “On the Road to Recovery,” in Portland, Ore. This unit is designed to reach patients in remote and underserved areas, reducing the transportation barriers that have historically hindered access to life-saving treatment.

The mobile unit, an extension of our Portland Treatment Center, is equipped with two dosing windows for daily medication dispensation, providing patients with the same comprehensive care they would receive at a brick-and-mortar location. While virtual counseling services are currently offered, we plan to include in-person crisis counseling as part of our holistic care approach. This initiative represents our unwavering commitment to bringing essential services directly to those who need them most, breaking down barriers and expanding our reach in the fight against opioid addiction.

Telehealth: Bringing Treatment to the Digital Age

In response to the growing demand for accessible healthcare, New Season has expanded its telehealth program to offer virtual inductions to accompany our successful counseling services, a vital component of our comprehensive care model. Thanks to recent SAMHSA legislation changes, we’ve streamlined our intake process, allowing patients to initiate treatment through telemedicine. This innovation not only makes treatment more accessible but also ensures that patients can begin their recovery journey without delay.

By leveraging telehealth, we’ve reduced intake times from three hours to just one, significantly improving the patient experience. Our dedicated team of teleprescribers provides support across multiple states, including Florida, Colorado, Texas, Utah, Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia, ensuring that more individuals can access the care they need across the country.

Legislative Advocacy: Responding to SAMHSA’s New Regulations

At New Season, we’re not just providers of care; we’re advocates for progress. SAMHSA’s recent legislative updates under 42 CFR Part 8 represent a monumental shift in how opioid treatment programs operate. These changes, which include adjustments to dosing regulations and increased flexibility in screening procedures, align with our mission to deliver patient-centered, evidence-based care.

In response to the fentanyl crisis, we’ve implemented the Fentanyl Special Care Program, offering tailored support to those affected by this potent opioid. This program emphasizes increased frequency of visits, education, and stringent safety measures, ensuring that our patients receive the highest level of care in their journey to recovery.

Enhancing the Patient Experience: Upgraded and New Facilities

We’ve also made significant investments in upgrading and relocating many of our treatment centers to better serve our patients. Our new facility in downtown Birmingham, Ala., exemplifies our commitment to accessibility and patient comfort. This move, along with similar relocations in St. George, Utah, and Richmond, Va., as well as the opening of new centers in Florida, is part of our broader effort to enhance the quality of care we provide.

These new and upgraded facilities are strategically located near key resources like hospitals, food pantries and public transportation, ensuring that our patients have access to comprehensive support as they navigate their recovery journey.

A Future Full of Hope: Continuing the Fight Against Overdose

As we commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day, we honor the lives lost to this crisis and renew our commitment to those still fighting. The strides we’ve made at New Season Treatment Center—from expanding access to care in rural areas to embracing telehealth and advocating for legislative change—are a testament to our dedication to this cause.

But our work is far from over. We will continue to innovate, expand, and advocate, ensuring that every individual battling opioid addiction has the opportunity to access life-saving treatment and begin their journey to recovery.

If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, don’t wait. Reach out to New Season Treatment Center today. Together, we can break down barriers, empower recovery, and build a future free from the grip of opioid addiction.