(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - Ideal Option, the largest provider of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorders in the Pacific Northwest, announced the opening of a new clinic in Ketchikan, Alaska.

The newly opened Ketchikan location marks Ideal Option’s 6th clinic in the state of Alaska, with other locations in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Kenai, and Wasilla. It will provide increased access to a proven addiction treatment service for those struggling with opioid use disorders as well as addictions to alcohol and other drugs. This includes comprehensive physical and mental examinations, the prescription of Suboxone, Buprenorphine and other addiction medicines and specialized behavioral health counseling and case work.

“We’ve made strides here in Ketchikan to overcome the sickness and stigma of addiction and welcome additional resources that will further that progress,” said Ketchikan Mayor Robert Sivertsen. “We look forward to continuing our work to bring medical providers and community stakeholders together with state, tribal, and local agencies to address opioid abuse and addiction.”

According to data published by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, overdose deaths increased in Alaska at a rate of 77% from 2010-2017. Preliminary numbers from the Department of Health and Social Services showed a decrease in that number between 2017 – 2018, and Ideal Option is hoping to help Ketchikan continue the downward trend.

“Our goal at Ideal Option is to provide the resources people need to overcome addiction and find lasting stability,” said Jeff Allgaier, President and Founder of Ideal Option. “We are thrilled to be here in Ketchikan and look forward to working closely with the community to deliver more help to those who need it most.”

Ideal Option’s treatment model is administered by addiction medicine specialists who practice the latest guidelines published by the American Society of Addiction Medicine and the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Several of their physicians are double board certified in Addiction and Emergency Medicine, with other providers carrying board certifications in Internal, OB/GYN and Family Medicine, among other specialties. Ideal Option also utilizes social workers, case workers, counselors and mental health practitioners to help drive functional outcomes, such as family stability, stable housing, improved overall health and reduced rates of recidivism.

Throughout their footprint, Ideal Option has sought to collaborate with existing stakeholders and providers in order to improve the continuum of care in the communities they serve. This includes coverage for initiation sites like emergency rooms and jails, where individuals with opioid use disorders often turn up, as well as partnerships with law enforcement and municipal programs. Some of these partnerships are highlighted by their work in Washington state, where the practice is headquartered, including:

• 2018 recipient of SAMHSA Hub and Spokes grant for Snohomish and Skagit County;

• Partnership with the City of Everett's Community Outreach and Enforcement Team

  (COET);

• Initiation site at Kadlec Regional Medical Center’s emergency room;

• Medical directors of the Benton County Jail;

• Partnerships with Snohomish and Franklin County to provide MAT to inmates in jail and

  facilitate warm-handoff upon their release;

• Partnerships with multiple drug courts to ensure patients receive treatment and reduce

  criminal justice issues.

The new Ideal Option location in Ketchikan is now open for new patients and accepts Medicaid, Medicare, as well as private insurance. It is located at 3159 Tongass Avenue.

Source of News:

Ideal Option
https://idealoption.net/ketchikan/

 

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