The Orange County Medical Clinic (OCMC) is expanding its services to include Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT), part of a collaborative effort with the Orange County Drug-Free Community Coalition and Specialized Treatment Education and Prevention Services Incorporated (STEPS). As reported by Orange County Government, Dr. Thomas Hall, speaking on behalf of the county's coalition, emphasized the significance of the new clinic, "The program has three key objectives," namely targeting those most at risk of an opioid overdose, broadening access to mental health and substance use screenings, and offering comprehensive MAT treatment.
In an age where opioid addiction continues to ravage communities, the MAT clinic's approach couples medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. The clinic is equipped with a Registered Nurse and a Licensed Behavioral Health Clinician, and to reach a broader segment of the population, it offers telehealth services. As the need for accessible treatment escalates, as per the county's press release, Dr. Hall pointed out the importance of such services, “Identify who is at the greatest risk from an opioid overdose; increase access to mental health and substance use screening; and provide MAT treatment, intensive case management, and access to peer recovery coaches.”
Cheryl Bello, CEO of STEPS, lauded the clinic's establishment as a step in the right direction. According to a statement from the county's press release, Bello stated, "We believe that recovery from substance use disorders is possible and can lead to a healthy, productive life." She continued, "The MAT Clinic is designed to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help our citizens reclaim their lives and achieve lasting recovery." This sentiment underscores the clinic's dedication to facilitating recovery through proven methods.
For those seeking help, additional information can be found by calling the MAT Clinic at (407) 955-7710. Through these efforts, the clinic and its partners are painting a more hopeful picture for the future of substance use disorder treatment in Orange County.
