SITKA, Alaska – In the past decade, the opioid epidemic has risen dramatically and continues to negatively impact our communities across the state. SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) is committed to partnering with the communities we serve to encourage a healthy balance of mind, body and spirit.
SEARHC is set to open an Opioid Treatment Clinic (OTC) in Sitka at 700 Katlian Street, Suite F. The Sitka OTC is dedicated to proven, evidence-based treatment for people struggling with opioid abuse and dependence.
“Every community in Southeast Alaska has been struck by the tragedy of the opioid epidemic, and SEARHC is doing something to put an end to it,” said Charles Clement, SEARHC President and Chief Executive Officer. “We aim to treat and get people on the road to recovery, which improves family health and helps improve the overall well-being of our communities.”
The Sitka Opioid Treatment Clinic removes barriers while increasing access to lifesaving treatment that will reduce the stigma associated with the disease of opioid addiction.
“This program is a clinically proven model that will change people’s lives for the better,” said Eric Gettis, SEARHC’s Vice President of Behavioral Health. “Having a program dedicated to Opioid Use Disorder provides hope for those caught in the cycle of addition, and creates a path toward healing, recovery and restored relationships. Our first OTP in Juneau has been met with huge demand, and we look forward to positively benefiting more people in Sitka.”
SEARHC’s second Opioid Treatment Clinic is the only service of its kind in Southeast Alaska and is certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the state of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Division of Behavioral Health, State Opioid Treatment Authority.
If you, a loved one, or a friend is dealing with an opioid problem, please call 907.966.9797.
Important Alaska Statistics
According to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Alaska Division of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology, the most recent statistics show a significant increase in overdose-related deaths in Alaska. In fact, 253 Alaskans died of drug overdoses in calendar year 2021, and it is expected that those figures will continue to increase annually.
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