In the past year we have had many changes across our co mmunity and we couldn’t be more excited by the process and resiliency each organization in our consortium has shown. In the past year we have seen the development of multiple MOUD clinics, additional Peer Recovery services and the launching of l ocal community organizations to name a few. Below we have highlighted some our developments as well as a few of our partners achievements across the EUP.
As part of the EUP-ORC we want to help improve collaboration of people who support the needs of community members impacted by OUD/SUD. We do hope to facilitate individual communication within our region to provide coordinated support.
It is my pleasure to kick start these provider snap shots by introducing my friend and colleague Teresa Plummer. She has delivered care to the majority of patients at the War Memorial Hospital MAT Clinic. She is always friendly and may be a great resource to other clinics who may have questions regarding MAT.
The WMH MAT clinic is a stand-alone clinic within our WMH Community Care Clinic. It has been a gateway to allow patients to obtain treatments for OUD/SUD. The WMH MAT clinic has allowed community members who have OUD/SUD have their addictions addressed so their other health issues may be addressed thru primary and specialty care providers. This clinic has improved the health of individuals, health of our community and improved the efficiency of WMH.
My name is Teresa Plummer. I am the lead provider at the War Memorial Hospital MAT Clinic. We officially opened in March, 2021. Our hours are Monday –Thursday from 8am to 6pm. We are offering MAT with buprenorphine-containing products including Suboxone, Subutex, and Sublocade. We are in the process of initiating treatment with Vivitrol for opiate and alcohol use disorders. We have a social worker on staff who assists with counseling and coordination of care services.
We are currently treating 112 patients with number growing weekly. Of those, 18 are on Sublocade with many more expressing interest and several getting ready to receive their first injection.
I feel we are making a positive impact on our community. Many of our patients have expressed to me that this program has saved their lives and they are thankful to have us. Witnessing these transformations is what makes what I do so rewarding! It is amazing to me how much of an impact MAT can have!
We are currently accepting new patients.
Please reach out to us at 906-253-0014 if you are interested.
In Julyof 2021, the EUP-ORC staff were contacted by members of the Hiawatha Foundation who were looking to make a difference in their community. While many ideas were tossed around and are currently still in the works. On October 23rd, 2022 in partnership with the Mackinac Sheriff Department, Mackinac CTC, The Hiawatha Foundation, Michigan Open and Luce County Sheriff Department we were able to collect just under 14 pounds of drugs and narcotics across Mackinac and Luce County. Drug Take Back Day is an initiative by the DEA to boost awareness about the proper disposal of Narcotics and provide education to the public. We are excited to hopefully continue this event into 2022!
In collaboration of MSU 4H and Chippewa Sheriffs office we now have access to a Hidden in Palin Sight trailer to provide education to parents. “The mission of the “EUP Hidden in Plain Sight Project” is to bring awareness and education about current trends in youth substance misuse, to the communities of the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This trailer is an interactive display program that offers adult insights into current trends in youth substance misuse, drug paraphernalia, and concealment of illicit drugs and alcohol. Our trailer is fully stocked with educational materials for parents or community members who work with youth. Topics from underage drinking, vaping, or other drugs, as well as tips on how to talk to your children.”
In June 2021 HNJH launched there Behavioral Health Program. The Behavioral Health Program at HNJH is a unique dual-direction program created to stand on its own and support the hospital’s needs. It is considered by many as a living program changing with the demands of the environment and community needs. Team BH professionals include but not limited to Therapists (MSWs), Registered nurses (RN), Board Certified Behavioral Analysts (BCBA), Psychiatrists (MD), Psychologists (Ph.D.), and an exceptional supportive executive staff. Team BH was developed with the notion that “Everyone deserves the opportunity to be a better version of themselves” Team BH supports all levels of medication-assisted therapy (MAT), Drug court, and a wide variety of personality/behavioral assessments. We at HNJH BH team are humbled and honored to offer the surrounding communities psychotherapy, tele-psychiatry, behavioral analytics, and a wide spectrum of mental health services.
The Eastern Upper Peninsula Opioid Response Consortium (EUP-ORC) is a 22-member Consortium dedicated to working collaboratively to implement the prevention, treatment and recovery services necessary to reduce harm and heal people, families and communities impacted by substance use disorders and opioid use disorders in the 5-county region in the Eastern Upper Peninsula.
The EUP-ORC consists of every healthcare facility in the targeted 5-county region, including all hospitals, hospital affiliated clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Community Mental Health agency, Local Public Health agencies, the regions’ Prepaid Inpatient Health Plan, recovery support provider, and tribal health agencies.
