Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Visits Hamilton Health Center to Discuss Centers of Excellence

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Department of Human Services Secretary Ted Dallas visited Hamilton Health Center, a Center of Excellence (COE) location to discuss the importance of the Wolf Administration's efforts to ensure continuity of, and access to, treatment to combat the opioid epidemic. 

To date, 45 locations were selected throughout Pennsylvania in part of the 2016-2017 budget allotting $20.4 million for COEs. These centers will have a community-based care management team to assist people with opioid-related substance use disorders through the medical system, and ensure they receive behavioral and physical health care, as well as any evidence-based medication-assisted treatment needed.

"After seeing firsthand the work that Hamilton Health Center provides today, I am thrilled with the work being done to strengthen the community of Harrisburg and Dauphin County," said Secretary Dallas. "As we know, the opioid epidemic does not discriminate and affects every Pennsylvanian in some way. We are excited to have them as a location for the COE program, providing quality services to individuals in need." 

In order to stem the tide of opioid abuse and make progress for those suffering from the disease of addiction and their loved ones, we must work quickly and efficiently to pass bills to send to Governor Wolf's desk.

During his joint address, Governor Wolf said that he hopes to pass legislation that will strengthen the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, improve and increase education about opioid use disorder, limit opioid prescriptions to emergency room patients and minors, require insurance companies to cover abuse deterrent opioids, and establish a voluntary directive if they do not want to be prescribed opioids.

Hamilton Health Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), a non-profit community based health organization that is located in Harrisburg, PA. As an FQHC, Hamilton Health Center provides comprehensive primary care, dental and mental health services to persons in all stages of the life cycle. The center also assists patients to access specialty and hospital care services not available at the center.

For more information about the Centers of Excellence, visit www.dhs.pa.gov.

For more information about Hamilton Health Center, visit www.hamiltonhealthcenter.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Rachel Kostelac, DHS, 717-425-7606

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Human Services

Related Links

http://www.dhs.pa.gov