Opioid addiction continues to be one of the most pressing public health issues in the United States, and Ohio has been particularly hard-hit. As part of the ongoing effort to combat this crisis, MedMark Treatment Centers has recently opened a new medication-assisted treatment (MAT) facility in Milford, a suburb of Cincinnati. The new clinic aims to provide critical support to individuals struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD) in a region that has been significantly impacted by the opioid epidemic.
MedMark, a national provider of MAT services, is part of BayMark Health Services, a leading specialty healthcare company dedicated to treating opioid addiction through a combination of medications, counseling, and other support services. With nearly 40 locations across the country, MedMark’s expansion into Milford marks a significant step in its mission to help those battling opioid addiction across the United States.
Why Milford?
The decision to open a MedMark facility in Milford was not made lightly. According to Frank Baumann, the Chief Operating Officer of BayMark Health Services, the location was strategically chosen due to the high number of opioid-related deaths in the area. Milford is situated in Hamilton and Clermont Counties, which have seen a staggering number of opioid deaths in recent years. In fact, these counties accounted for more than 11% of Ohio’s 4,300 opioid-related deaths in 2017.
Baumann explained that “Medication-assisted treatment with substance use counseling provides patients with the best chance for sustained recovery from their addiction and the opportunity to reclaim their lives.” He emphasized that the Milford clinic will serve as a vital resource for individuals in the surrounding communities who need access to effective treatment for opioid addiction.
Ohio’s opioid crisis has devastated families and communities, leaving a trail of overdose deaths, broken lives, and overwhelmed healthcare systems in its wake. The state has been especially hard-hit, with Ohio recording the second-highest number of opioid overdose deaths per capita in 2017. That year, nearly 40 in 100,000 people died from opioid overdoses, only behind West Virginia, which recorded nearly 50 per 100,000 deaths.
By opening this new MAT clinic, MedMark hopes to provide essential services to individuals in a region that continues to battle the devastating effects of opioid addiction.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is considered the gold standard for treating opioid addiction. It combines the use of medications—such as methadone and buprenorphine—with counseling and other therapeutic services to help patients recover from opioid use disorder. MAT works by easing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings, allowing individuals to focus on their recovery and build a foundation for long-term sobriety.
At the Milford facility, MedMark will provide a combination of methadone and buprenorphine, two of the most commonly used medications for opioid addiction. Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that helps patients manage withdrawal symptoms without causing a high, while buprenorphine is a partial agonist that also reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms but with a lower risk of misuse.
However, MAT is not just about medications. It’s the integration of counseling and behavioral therapies that provides the holistic approach necessary for long-term recovery. Patients at MedMark will also receive individual and group counseling services, designed to help them address the psychological and emotional aspects of addiction. This combination of medical treatment and therapy offers the best chance for patients to overcome their addiction and achieve lasting recovery.
MedMark’s commitment to using MAT as a cornerstone of its treatment approach is grounded in evidence-based practices that have shown time and again to improve outcomes for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder.
The Need for MAT in Ohio
Ohio’s opioid crisis has reached devastating proportions, and the state has long been in desperate need of accessible and effective addiction treatment services. As mentioned earlier, Ohio had the second-highest opioid overdose death rate in the country in 2017, and the impact of the epidemic has only grown in recent years.
In response to this need, MedMark has opened four new clinics in Ohio under the MedMark brand this year alone. This latest addition in Milford adds to the company’s growing network of treatment centers across the state, all aimed at providing comprehensive support to those grappling with opioid addiction.
Opioid addiction doesn’t just affect the individuals who use drugs; it impacts entire families, communities, and even the economy. With over 11% of Ohio’s opioid-related deaths concentrated in Hamilton and Clermont Counties, it is clear that these regions are in urgent need of additional resources and support systems for addiction recovery.
MedMark’s Milford facility will offer a much-needed option for people in the area who are seeking help for their opioid addiction. With a location in a community that has been disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis, the center’s services will provide hope and support to those who need it most.
MedMark’s Commitment to Expanding Access to Treatment
MedMark Treatment Centers is not only focused on expanding its footprint in Ohio but also across the United States. With nearly 40 locations nationwide, the company is working to ensure that patients in need of opioid addiction treatment have access to high-quality, effective care no matter where they live. The Milford clinic is just one example of how MedMark is strategically expanding into regions with high demand for addiction treatment services.
The decision to open the Milford clinic reflects MedMark’s commitment to meeting the growing need for MAT services in communities that have been hit hard by the opioid epidemic. By providing individuals with access to medication-assisted treatment and counseling, MedMark is working to reduce the stigma associated with addiction, improve recovery outcomes, and save lives.
Frank Baumann’s words reflect the core of MedMark’s mission: “We can help those struggling with opioid addiction in these areas of significant need throughout Ohio.” With the opioid crisis continuing to take its toll, MedMark’s expansion efforts are a much-needed step in ensuring that people across the state and beyond have access to the treatment they deserve.
Looking Toward the Future
The opioid epidemic is a public health crisis that shows no signs of slowing down, and the demand for treatment services will only continue to grow. MedMark’s new facility in Milford is a vital part of the ongoing efforts to address this issue, providing hope and support to individuals who may feel isolated and overwhelmed by their addiction.
While the future of the opioid crisis remains uncertain, one thing is clear: organizations like MedMark Treatment Centers are playing an essential role in helping to turn the tide. With expanded access to medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and recovery services, more people will have the chance to rebuild their lives and reclaim their futures.
MedMark’s commitment to providing evidence-based, patient-centered care in Milford—and throughout Ohio and the country—serves as a model for how healthcare providers can work to address the opioid epidemic in meaningful ways. As the fight against opioid addiction continues, MedMark will remain at the forefront, offering the resources and support necessary to make a lasting impact.
