Community Newsletter Winter 2017
CODAC Named Center of Excellence Cenpatico Integrated Care named CODAC as its first adult Center of Excellence. CODAC was chosen for this honor after review of metrics related to member utilization, cost effectiveness and outcomes. This recognition means that CODAC is ranked at the highest level of leadership, quality and service. “Centers of Excellence align physicians and other providers to achieve higher value through greater focus on appropriateness of care, clinical excellence, and member satisfaction,” said Cenpatico Integrated Care’s Chief Officer of Integrated Care, Dr. Jay Gray.
2017 Highlights
“This designation is very exciting for CODAC,” says CODAC President & CEO, Dennis Regnier. “Five years ago, we decided were going to be ‘the preferred provider’ in Southern Arizona. I’d say we have achieved this goal and that was no small task!” CODAC is honored to be the first adult Center of Excellence for our outstanding quality and care.
More than 1,500 members received primary care services.
425+
Mothers learned skills to raise healthy families, free from drugs & alcohol.
Member Shares About His Recovery From Opiate Addiction “When I think of myself before I was sober, I remember feeling disgusted, ashamed, lonely and exhausted.” Jack’s drug use began with recreational pills use and escalated to daily heroin use after a bad break up. Since June of 2015, as part of probation requirements, Jack attended support groups, individual therapy and received medication assisted addiction treatment to support his recovery from opiate addiction. Continued on page 5.
CODAC serves more than 5,400 individuals each month at all locations.
Message from the President and CEO Happy Holidays! It’s hard to believe another year is upon us. I suppose that’s what happens when we’re hard at work on many important endeavors. In this newsletter, you can read of several wonderful accomplishments including our recognition as a Center of Excellence for adult services and for Medication Assisted Addiction Treatment; the opening of our new, one-of-a-kind facility for individuals with opioid use disorders; a successful fund raising and awareness-building event to support survivors of sexual assault; and – the reason we’re all here – meaningful member victories. The behavioral health system in Southern Arizona continues to have its share of funding challenges. To adjust to evolving funding realities and reduce expenses, CODAC was able to consolidate some of its treatment locations this year. As you’ll read inside, this has resulted in surprisingly meaningful collaborations between previously distinct CODAC programs. Perhaps one of our greatest feats in 2017 was related to access to care. In September, CODAC rolled out a new process for people seeking care with us for the first time. Instead of having to schedule an initial appointment with a psychiatrist or therapist – often weeks out – individuals can now walk-in during set hours on Monday through Friday to be seen for their first appointment with a psychiatric professional or therapist. In most cases, they will leave that same day with an individualized plan for follow up care and either an appropriate prescription or having received therapeutic support. Many times, these seemingly simple first steps can be the difference between invigorating wellness and debilitating despair. Finally, this year, CODAC was selected by the readers of the Arizona Daily Star as the Reader’s Choice for Best Behavioral Health Organization! What an outstanding testament to our quality and community impact. Thank you, readers, for your support! Thank you, again, for partnering with CODAC so Southern Arizona individuals and families continue to have access to timely, compassionate, comprehensive and unique treatment options when they need it most. We could not do this important work without your support. Many wishes for a healthy holiday season and a happy 2018!
Dennis Regnier, MA President & CEO
PS: Please follow us on Facebook to see all our accomplishments and member victories as they happen! Find us at @CODACTucson.
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Board of Directors Robert Barrasso, Chair Paul Hooker, Vice Chair David Braun, Treasurer Tere LeBarron, Secretary Members: Alicia Corti Bruce Hyland John D. Lewis, M.D. Abe Marques Pat Marsh LilliAnne Purdie Brian Spencer Jean Tkachyk Dennis Regnier, MA President and Chief Executive Officer Album Editor: Ashley James Multimedia Communications Coordinator Mission: It is the mission of CODAC to provide the tools, support and services to individuals, families and communities so they may live with dignity, free from the harmful effects of mental illness, substance use disorders and trauma.
CODAC does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.
Collaborative Approach to Recovery Five CODAC Programs Come Together at Country Club Location CODAC at Country Club has welcomed four additional programs to the facility: Living Out Loud, Mothers Caring About Self, Child & Family Services and Transition Aged Youth. They join the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault. The union of these programs allows for a greater scope of services to vulnerable populations, at one convenient location. Members of this site include mothers living with substance use disorders, LGBTQIA community members, children and families seeking support for behavioral health concerns and young adults ages 1621 who are navigating life’s challenges and changes. A welcome and open house celebration was hosted at the site on Wednesday, November 22, to introduce members to the collaborative atmosphere. “As I looked around, it was amazing to see individuals, seemingly so different, enjoying the event — and each other,” says Tara Gardenhire, program coordinator. Tara shares that the co-location of these programs has brought forth many positives including the ability for improved care coordination.
who is also working with Living Out Loud for navigation and support with exploring their sexual identity,” shares Tara. CODAC’s Sr. Director of Women’s Services, Kelly Irving, is pleased to be able to better able to meet the needs of members presenting with multiple concerns. “Having all of these programs in one place is creating a larger sense of community between members and staff, allowing for better coordination, improved services and ultimately providing better outcomes for the members we serve,” says Kelly.
“Combining programs is great because it gives us more room to grow and to take advantage of the different groups and resources.” Kimberly R., MCAS Member
“For example, we may have an adolescent engaged in Child and Family Services for support with their family relationships and
Site Information 1600 N. Country Club Rd.
PROGRAMS:
HELPING:
SACASA Living Out Loud Child & Family Services Transition Age Youth Mothers Caring About Self
Support, advocacy & therapy for survivors of sexual assault Therapy & support for LGBTQIA individuals Therapy & support for parents and children Support services & skills development for ages 16-21 Mothers with substance use disorders 3
© Tom Reich / trPHOTOart
Upgraded MAAT Facility Enhances Treatment
CODAC’s MAAT Program Named Center of Excellence
CODAC is responding to the growing epidemic of opiate addiction by expanding the ability to provide comprehensive medication assisted care for people in our community living with an opioid use disorder (OUD). In November, CODAC opened a new beautifully renovated Medication Assisted Addiction Treatment (MAAT) clinic located at 380 E. Ft. Lowell Rd.
CODAC’s Medication Assisted Addiction Treatment center has been named as Southern Arizona’s first “MAAT Center of Excellence.”
This outpatient treatment center offers more than 19,000 square feet of space for members to receive comprehensive care for opiate addictions. With more than 550 members receiving services monthly, this clinic provides ample space and the upgraded capacity to provide support and quality treatment to members in recovery. The building furnishes nine medication dosing windows (to efficiently accommodate the demands of dosing large quantities of people), two physical exam rooms for primary care, an on-site laboratory, a variety of spacious meeting and group rooms, and much more. “This state-of-the-art clinic provides a calm, healing and therapeutic environment for staff and members. We have more space and a peaceful environment to provide quality addiction care,” says Dr. Larry Oñate, Medical Director. With the safety of members, staff and the community in mind, the building contains extensive on-site security which includes 24/7 law enforcement and security presence, dozens of surveillance cameras, pharmacy grade construction and expansive intrusion and burglary monitoring. Construction was completed by Rio West, Inc., who also owns the building. The architect was Intertech Architectural Interiors, Inc. Furniture brokered by J. Kaiser Workspaces. Security by Protection One. For more information about CODAC’s MAAT services, call (520) 327-4505.
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As part of this recognition and along with over $1M in federal funding, CODAC will begin providing 24/7 intakes, peer support, referrals, outreach, education and other support services for individuals living with opioid use disorders. We will be a community drop-in center for first responders, law enforcement, members and families in order to provide a safe haven for individuals addicted to opioids. With a range of treatment available at all hours, people can get the help they need when they are ready.
Local Opioid Facts From June 15th to November 30th, 2017, there were 4,380 possible opioid overdoses reported in Arizona.
More than half of the people who overdosed were male.
Fatal overdoses made up 13% of cases handled by the medical examiner.
2X
Emergency room visits for opioid use have doubled between fiscal year 2008 and 2016.
Opioid-related deaths are highly under-reported because opioids metabolize quickly in the blood stream and are often taken with other drugs.
Sobriety with Medication, Support “When I think of myself before I was sober, I remember feeling disgusted, ashamed, lonely and exhausted.” Jack M. is a member of CODAC’s Medication Assisted Addiction Treatment program. His drug use began with recreational pill use and escalated to daily heroin use after a bad break up. As part of probation requirements, Jack attended support groups, individual therapy and received a medication called Suboxone to support his recovery from opiate addiction. Jack’s struggle with addiction was back and forth from relapse to sobriety. It wasn’t until he realized the reality of the consequences of his addiction, that he found the strength he needed to focus on recovery. “If I continued to relapse, I knew I was going to end up in prison,” he says.
Source: Huckelberry, C.H., (August 29, 2017). Update on Opioid Misuse in Pima County [Memorandum]. Retrieved from http://webcms.pima.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6/ File/Government/Administration/CHHmemosFor%20Web/2017/August/Update%20 on%20Opioid%20Misuse%20In%20 Pima%20County.pdf
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WHAT ARE OPIOIDS?
Opioids are highly addictive drugs that relieve pain by attaching to the opidioid receptors in the brain and body. Frequent opioid use leads to physical dependency and severe withdrawal symptoms. Common examples are heroin, hydrocodone, oxycodone and other pain medications.
When Jack first began treatment and support services with CODAC, he was in an intensive program; he attended 10 groups each week for six months. “I began to notice a change within those first few months,” he says. “I began completing all my assignments and really absorbing the tools I was given. I started gaining weight and getting positive feedback from others. I began to feel proud.” Support groups provide useful tools for coping with addiction triggers. Jack learned to change his routine to establish new and healthy behaviors and also to identify and pay attention to his thoughts and feelings. Working alongside other men who understand addiction has been helpful for him. Jack explains that, for men, it can be hard to admit that they have issues to work through and even harder to ask for help. He credits his success in his recovery not only to his treatment, but also to the many meaningful activities that fill up his days. When he isn’t working, Jack attends community recovery groups, goes to church and coaches little league baseball. “CODAC has definitely been a miracle for me.”
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Alternative to Prison Program Offers a New Chance at Success It’s not everyday that a person charged with a drug conviction has a chance to get back on the right track. Wednesday, October 18, was proof that this is possible when 13 people commenced from the Drug Court and Drug Treatment Alternative to Prison (DTAP) programs. A room filled with friends, family, sobriety sponsors, and supportive community members celebrated this important occasion. Among the graduating group were CODAC members completing their DTAP requirements. Programs like this allow offenders to break the cycle of repeated incarceration by seeking intensive drug treatment alongside wraparound support services, which includes: • • • • •
Connecting with higher education Job training and help maintaining employment Transitional housing support Probation monitoring Regular court hearings
This allows members to address the root issues of their addiction, fulfill legal requirements and become productive members of the community. Since the program’s implementation in 2007, there have been more than 400 graduates. Clients involved in these programs stay in treatment longer than others and face a 40% lower chance of recidivism. Dillon Leyva, a CODAC Recovery Coach, works closely with mem-
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bers in the DTAP program. He serves as their liaison in navigating the judicial and probation systems, connects them with community resources, helps find employment and training opportunities and much more. “I have seen incredible transformations in members,” says Dillon. “I have worked with a member who was having delusions and psychosis who was living under a bridge. He now has a full-time job, lives in his own home, and is married.” A supportive network of providers sets up clients for success. Through their own hard work, they are supported by a team consisting of their probation officer, treatment providers, attorneys and judges. The program has a treatment-first approach that gives participants the opportunity to heal and grow from their past rather than face incarceration. The result: success in living independently, working, and giving back to the community. “Each member has worked hard on their recovery and it has been an honor to support them in their recovery journey,” Dillon concludes.
“To help another person navigate challenges that I, myself, have been through is amazing.” Dillon Leyva, Recovery Coach
$46K Raised for Awareness, Support for Sexual Assault Survivors On Wednesday, April 19, 2017, hundreds of Tucson diners enjoyed local meals that supported survivors of sexual assault through the annual Dine Out for Safety fund raising event. More than $46,000 was raised from sponsorships, raffle ticket sales and restaurant meal proceeds. In addition to collecting up to 20% of sales for the day, more than 70 people volunteered at 23 restaurants throughout breakfast, lunch and dinner to raise awareness and inform the community about the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault (SACASA). Additionally, volunteers sold more than 1,500 raffle tickets totaling over $13,000 in sales. CODAC staff member Haley Haas was among the hundreds of diners supporting the event. “This issue is very important, yet sensitive, and I think people need to understand that sexual violence is real and is happening more than we think. I want to raise awareness because I know there are ways we can help stop this,” she says.
time and talent for survivors of sexual assault. Our gratitude extends to the 2017 Dine Out for Safety Participating Restaurants: • Borderlands Brewing Company • Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ • dedicated. • Feast • Fiamme Pizza • Fini’s Landing • Gentle Ben’s Brewing Company • Gourmet Girls Gluten Free Bakery/ Bistro • Kingfisher Bar & Grill • Mama Louisa’s Italian Restaurant • Mama’s Hawaiian Bar-B-Cue (4 locations) • Noble Hops • Public Brewhouse • Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink • SAZ Creole Kitchen & Cocktails • The Scented Leaf Tea House & Lounge • Tap & Bottle • Vero Amore (2 locations) • Yellow Brick Coffee Thank you to our generous sponsors!
Dine Out for Safety planning committee member, Amber Selph explained that her reasons for volunteering extend beyond her passion for the cause and raising funding for survivors. “Volunteers have the opportunity to interact with the community and spread awareness of SACASA’s services as well as reducing stigma related to sexual assault,” she says. Amber adds that it is her hope that, through these awareness efforts, more survivors are connected the important services SACASA provides. Thank you to the community members who dine out and supported SACASA and to the many volunteers who donated their
Platinum Sponsors: 94.9 MIXfm & 106.3 The Groove Silver Sponsors: Environment Control & Genoa, A QoL Healthcare Company Bronze Sponsors: Alphagraphics, El Rio Community Health Center, Lovitt & Touche, Topaz, & Tucson Medical Center Copper Sponsors: CBIZ, Cushman & Wakefield - PICOR, & Pima Council on Aging Brass Sponsors: Flexprint, Medtech Solutions, & Nutanix
Task Force Making Strides Against Human Trafficking Human trafficking exists right here in our community and the Southern Arizona Anti-Trafficking Unified Response Network (SAATURN) is hard at work, raising awareness and providing support for survivors. More than two years ago, CODAC and the Tucson Police Department received a three-year combined $1.5M federal grant.Since the grant’s inception, SAATURN has conducted more than 450 human trafficking related investigations resulting in 18 arrests. SAATURN has engaged with more than 82 trafficking survivors. Many have connected with services such as therapy, support groups and crisis intervention. Additionally, survivors were provided with assistance in meeting basic needs such as housing support, clothing, and medical care. In recognition of SAATURN’s exceptional work, the task force has been federally recognized for efforts in advancing and enforcing victim’s rights at the state and national levels. Visit www.SAATURN.org for more information! 7
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