UKIAH - Since 1998, the Mendocino Community Health Clinic Inc (MCHC) and the County’s Alcohol and Other Drugs Program (AODP) have collaborated, with AODP holding the license and oversight, to operate a successful local program that helped those suffering from addiction to opioids. The program supported more than 200 opioid-addicted patients in reducing illicit drug use and helped curtail criminal behaviors associated with drug abuse.

Recently, reimbursement for these treatment services has undergone significant changes and MCHC can no longer afford to underwrite costs of the Opioid Treatment Program. It is with great sadness that program administration and staff announces the closure of the Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) as of June 30, 2006.

OTP staff is working closely with OTP patients and their medical providers to pursue several treatment options. These options include traveling to other programs in Santa Rosa and/or transitioning to an office-based, primary care treatment model. Some patients may leave treatment entirely, with varying outcomes and some may be referred for a therapeutic assessment.

Opioid treatment improved patient health outcomes and reduced harm within our community. Research indicates that opioid treatment reduces death rates, intravenous drug use, criminal activity, rates of HIV infection, emergency room visits, and an increase in the financial impacts on community services. The intensive therapeutic counseling that was a centerpiece of the program assisted participants in reshaping their lives. Anyone who has questions regarding Opioid Treatment Program closure may call Michael Mabanglo MCHC’s Vice President for Behavioral Health at 472-4690.

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