ATHOL — To address a lack of resources for women battling substance abuse and mental health disorders, Gardner-based GAAMHA has opened a new facility in Athol called Sunrise Ridge.
The 32-bed residential treatment facility at 648 Pleasant St., which opened in late February, will serve women diagnosed with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders, according to GAAMHA Vice President Sean Hayden. There is. He added that four of the beds will be reserved for women who are pregnant or within a year postpartum seeking recovery services, a first for the nonprofit organization.
“They have a hard time getting treatment because of the complications of pregnancy,” Hayden said.
Women who complete the program will have access to GAAMHA’s supportive housing programs in Gardner, Athol and Greenfield.
Hayden said there is a strong need for this type of facility, adding that there are often limited resources for women to address these issues. There are currently four patients at Sunrise Ridge, but more are expected in the near future.
“It’s always been that way,” Hayden said. “Frankly, it used to be much worse. There are more beds for women now than there used to be, but it’s still very uneven.”
Liz Beach, Sunrise Ridge’s program director, said many of the patients have trauma or mental health issues or have been exposed to domestic violence or sexual abuse. Beach came to Ridge as Substance Abuse Coordinator, working with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Parole Division, where he has more than 30 years of experience in the field.
“We will work with you to resolve the issues that you have been self-medicating,” Beach said.
Each day at Sunrise Ridge is carefully scheduled, including morning check-ins, chores, group discussions, and meetings with counselors. Facility staff will also coordinate appointments with your doctor if needed.
Hayden said there are criteria people wishing to visit Sunrise Ridge must meet: a diagnosis of substance abuse or mental health disorder, a 90-day stay in a psychiatric inpatient program; He also stated that he had tried to use emergency support services twice in the United States. Last 90 days. Hayden said another criteria that best fits is that the person has tried traditional addiction treatment programs without success.
Hayden cited a key element of the Athol facility: having a full-time staff of clinicians, nurses and recovery specialists. Treatment plans range from 90 days to one year.
“We’re actually looking at giving people one-on-one attention, which is a big difference,” he said. “You are more than just a face in a crowd.”
In addition to the treatment program, Hayden said Sunrise Ridge staff coordinates with the Department of Children and Families, makes sure patients are up to date with their taxes, and helps create a budget for treatment, Hayden said. He said he would also support other related matters. Leave.
Michelle Dunn, who oversees all operations for Sunrise Ridge, said the North Quabbin area has historically been underserved for these issues, adding that this is a common problem in rural areas. Ta.
Beach added that program participants feel a sense of camaraderie, especially when they talk about what their counselors have told them.
“They form a bond and they go to meetings together. You see little lights come on,” Beach said. “Most people come into the company without any support system, so it’s a bonding experience.”
Jill, a patient at Sunrise Ridge, said she has been at the facility for two weeks and has been battling a crack cocaine addiction. Before she came to Sunrise Ridge, she was at Washburn House in Worcester. Before that, Jill will leave Massachusetts for Camden, New Jersey, she said.
“I didn’t want anyone to find me,” she said.
At Sunrise Ridge, Jill is learning anger management and coping skills. She has, in her words, “a lot of tools in her kit.” Once her treatment is finished, she hopes to find her own place to continue her treatment.
“It was really nice,” she said of Sunrise Ridge. “I love it here.”
For more information about GAAMHA’s programs, please visit gaamha.org.
Max Bowen can be contacted at: mbowen@atholddailynews.com or 413-930-4074.
