In response to the ongoing substance use crisis in Santa Clara County, Santa Clara Valley Healthcare, along with the County of Santa Clara's Behavioral Health Services Department, is launching a new clinic aimed at providing comprehensive care for those grappling with addiction. The COMPassionate Addiction Services & Support (COMPASS) Clinic, set to open its doors on September 2, will be housed at Valley Health Center Moorpark and offer a slew of medical, psychosocial, and transitional supports for adults.
According to a statement obtained by Santa Clara County News, the initiative comes nearly four years after the County declared a mental health and substance use crisis. Susan Ellenberg, County of Santa Clara District Four Supervisor, emphasized the inclusive nature of the upcoming facility, "Addiction is a disease that affects all demographics and socioeconomic status and the COMPASS Clinic is here to serve everyone." Recognizing the diverse impact of addiction, the clinic’s mission is to foster healing through an accessible, team-based approach.
The clinic will cater to the needs of adults in the community by providing crucial services such as Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT), counseling, behavioral health support, and clinical triage. The COMPASS care team comprises professionals with expertise in various fields, including a doctor specializing in addiction medicine, nurses, and a social worker. Adults needing assistance can avail themselves of services through scheduled appointments and walk-in visits, without requiring prior engagement as patients at Santa Clara Valley Healthcare.
With the anticipated capacity to conduct around 30 patient visits a week and 1,200 annually, the clinic begins operations following International Overdose Awareness Day, hoping to make a significant dent in the substance use challenges within the community. Sylvia Arenas, the County's District One Vice President, stated via the Santa Clara County News, "Substance use-related recovery is possible, and this is where it begins." The clinic's launch is a testament to Santa Clara's commitment to weaving a tighter safety net for its residents.
Those interested in accessing the COMPASS Clinic can make appointments through Valley Connection by calling 1-888-334-1000 (toll-free) or walk in for services. Dr. Cheryl Ho of Santa Clara's Behavioral Health Services outlined the clinic's philosophy of offering a holistic approach to care, assuring the provision of evidence-based treatments for the best chances of recovery.
