Good afternoon, all. Below are some additional changes we are implementing effective 3/24/2020.

Our outpatient services (located in Hillsboro, Tigard, Clackamas, and Gresham) have shifted to their “essential services” model. This means:

• We are temporarily suspending admissions to outpatient programs for the next 2 weeks, while we confirm viability of remote technologies.
• Our top priority is the continuity of medications used in treating substance use disorders. Recommendations for visit frequency and phone-in refills have been adjusted to limit in-clinic visits.
• Group visits are cancelled so staff may focus on individual patient outreach
• Each program will use a “counselor of the day” model to triage needs for any patients who present for treatment. All patients are screened for symptoms at point of entry
• Remaining clinical staff will pivot to exclusively telephone outreach and counseling. Our priority for these contacts is:
1. Assessing for immediate safety
2. Engagement of coping and relapse prevention skills
3. Scheduling continuity appointments via phone (primary route) and determining patient access to technology that supports video communication
• Site support, medical assisting and UA collection staff will remain in programs to support these essential functions

Our opioid treatment programs are experiencing and increase in requests for admission.

• We continue to accept admissions as allowed, but heightened activity occasionally necessitates that we ask individuals to return during less busy times of day.
• Groups remain available with distancing protocols, but daily schedules will be adjusted to eliminate any back-to-back scheduling that may promote crowding
• The medical and clinical teams continue to refine decision-making strategies for diminishing visit frequency for patients and for quick reaction in the event someone presents with symptoms

Thank you,
Alison Noice
Executive Director