The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) recently awarded more than $396 million to health centers nationwide to address opioid addiction. Marillac Community Health Centers dba Daughters of Charity Health Centers (DCHC) received $324,500 (tied for the highest amount award statewide with one other health center) of the $8,569,833 awarded to 30 health centers in Louisiana.
“I applaud HRSA for providing generous funding for what, unfortunately, represents a growing challenge. The funding will greatly help DCHC’s efforts to assist persons who are suffering from opioid addiction,” said Michael G. Griffin, president and CEO of DCHC.
The Medication Assistance Treatment (MAT) program at Daughters of Charity Health Centers was implemented two years ago with the intent of filling a treatment need that proved challenging for many agencies in the state of Louisiana to fulfill as a response to the opioid epidemic.
DCHC’s program includes three medical providers, one social worker, and one medical assistant who care for, on average, 45 patients weekly. MAT offers medication management, individual/group therapy, case management, referrals, and navigation. Additionally, MAT staff members work with patients to navigate the complex health care system and aid them in meeting social needs.