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St. Lawrence County legislators considering agreement with St. Joseph’s to help those struggling with substance abuse get help

Posted 11/23/17

By JIMMY LAWTON CANTON – St. Lawrence County Services Committee is recommending the county sign an agreement with St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment and Recovery Center to help people struggling …

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St. Lawrence County legislators considering agreement with St. Joseph’s to help those struggling with substance abuse get help

Posted

By JIMMY LAWTON

CANTON – St. Lawrence County Services Committee is recommending the county sign an agreement with St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment and Recovery Center to help people struggling with substance abuse.

“According to the resolution, St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment and Recovery Center is working with Seaway Valley Prevention Council to provide a warm handoff to individuals who are in need, and will assess the level of care that is appropriate for their condition and make community referrals to agencies who can offer the appropriate level of care.”

Details on the memorandum of understanding approved by the committee were not included with the resolutions, however the MOU will need approval from the full board of legislators before taking effect.

The Seaway Valley Prevention Council offers help to those struggling with substance abuse.

The council was recently $250,000 funding for a community-based “clubhouse” offering support for young people who are struggling with or at risk for substance abuse.

The clubhouse program will help young people struggling with substance abuse in a non-clinical setting including efforts to promote prevention, long-term health and recovery. Other activities—like homework help and tutoring, community services opportunities, entertainment, peer mentoring, and fitness programs—will also be offered.

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) oversees the clubhouse program.

St. Joseph’s formed an affiliation with Rose Hill, an adolescent treatment center in Massena, to include inpatient treatment for adolescents and their families, in light of growing heroin and opioid abuse.

Rose Hill began operations in 1988 specifically for the treatment of adolescents in northern St. Lawrence County and today serves male and female clients between the ages of 12 and 20.

Since becoming a part of St. Joseph’s in 2015, Rose Hill has received approval from the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) to expand its approved number of beds from 14 to 21.

This approval significantly decreases the waiting time for teens and young adults with heroin and opioid addiction in particular to be admitted to Rose Hill.