Crozer Health Hosts Ribbon Cutting for New Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center
Crozer Health executives and behavioral health clinicians join Delaware County and Chester government officials in cutting the ribbon on impending First Steps Treatment Center at Crozer-Chester Medical Center.
Crozer Health and Delaware County Council hosted an open house and announcement event today for First Steps Treatment Center, a 52-bed center at Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland. The unit, which expects to start caring for patients by the end of the month, will be dedicated to comprehensively addressing the detoxification and rehabilitation needs of men and women suffering from substance abuse disorders.
The event, attended by more than 400 people, included tours of the unit provided by Crozer Health behavioral health clinicians, a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and remarks by Patrick Gavin, Crozer Health CEO; Kevin Caputo, M.D., chair of Psychiatry and Vice President for Behavioral Health for Crozer Health; and Dave White, Delaware County Councilman.
“The ongoing national addiction epidemic has reached and ravaged families of all backgrounds and economic classes in Delaware County and throughout the region. As a leader and pioneer in behavioral health, the Crozer Health team will be proud to introduce First Steps Treatment Center, a new resource that we hope will help many people to overcome their addictions and find better health,” Gavin said.
When the unit is open, patients will benefit from comprehensive, 24-hour medical services and will have the ability to access extensive resources within Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Delaware County’s largest hospital, and the entire Crozer Health. The unit will be located in the medical center’s East wing and will feature renovated patient rooms as well as a range of patient-centered amenities.
First Steps Treatment Center was supported by almost a million dollars in funding from Delaware County. This was made possible by an allocation from the county’s Office of Behavioral Health/Division of Drug and Alcohol and the county’s reinvestment funds. No general fund dollars were used.
The opening of First Steps Treatment Center is a natural progression for a health system that is a regional leader in behavioral health, substance abuse and addiction care. Crozer Health’s psychiatrists, counselors, social workers and more have been caring for men and women for decades on an outpatient basis. In 2016, the health system was designated a Center of Excellence for opioid abuse treatment by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf. Crozer-Chester Medical Center has an abundance of experience and expertise caring for mothers and children with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS).
The center also represents continued efforts by Delaware County in its ongoing fight against substance abuse and addiction. Delaware County Council and District Attorney Jack Whelan formed the Heroin Task Force in 2012 to address the heroin epidemic. In 2016, County Council launched the Delaware County Certified Recovery Specialist Program, which connects men and women who have overdosed to treatment and resources. Three Recovery Specialists, managed by Crozer Health, are available to assist residents around the clock.
“We have been aggressively fighting the heroin and opioid epidemic since 2012 when our medical examiner first reported an increase in heroin deaths,” said Delaware County Councilman Dave White. “Our Heroin Task Force works each and every day to help prevent addiction, saves lives and get residents into recovery. We are hopeful that our partnership with Crozer in opening this treatment center will save lives and get residents back on track to leading healthy and fulfilling lives.”
“We are extremely proud of our experienced, caring team, and they have worked hard to bring First Steps Treatment Center to our community. We look forward to bringing these much-needed services in our unique hospital-based setting to the people of Delaware County and beyond,” said Dr. Caputo.
Crozer Health is the largest employer and provider of health-care services in Delaware County. The system comprises five hospitals, several outpatient centers, a network of primary care and specialty practices and the Healthplex® Sports Club Call 1-800-CK-HEALH or visit www.crozerkeystone.org for more information.