Drug overdose deaths surpassed 100,000 in the U.S for the first time in history. Ohio went from 4,410 overdoses last year to 5,585 this year according to CDC numbers, an increase of 26.6% suggesting our communities are still in crises from affects of COVID-19.
Spero Health, a national leader who has helped more than 25,000 patients on their journey to stable recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, announced today the opening of a new clinic in Akron, OH. Located at 1493 South Arlington Street it began seeing patients Monday, December 6th, offering a combination of in-person and telehealth visits. Responding to the growing demand for local, affordable, and comprehensive addiction treatment services, Spero Health has over 65 clinics throughout Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and Indiana and is in network with Ohio Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans to ensure cost is not a barrier to those seeking help. Individuals who need addiction treatment services are encouraged to walk-in for help or call: 234-274-5827 for more information or to schedule an immediate appointment.
New data shows there are now more overdose deaths from illegal synthetic opioid fentanyl than there were overdose from all drugs in 2016. Speaking about this, CEO of Spero Health Steve Priest said, “Drug trends continually change, and the data is alarming. The surge of deaths will only continue due to the spread of a dangerous street drugs like fentanyl which is cheap and 50 times more potent than heroin. Often people die without knowing they’ve taken it because it’s laced with another drug. Over 21 million Americans struggle with addiction, and there is an urgent need for increased community-based resources to address this problem head on. Our goal is to join local efforts as a solution on the front line so that we continue to turn the tide of an out-of-control drug epidemic. We want to bring hope and restoration to the lives of people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction by giving them a place to turn. In Akron, we will bring immediate relief to families, friends and neighbors by offering quick access to high quality care,” said Priest.
Spero Health utilizes an innovative evidence-based integrated care model that combines both physical and behavioral healthcare services under one roof. Going into more details about the services patients can expect to receive at Spero Health, David Hayden, Senior VP of Clinical Services said, “Uncertainty and disruptions in daily life are still hitting those with substance use disorder particularly hard, and we want everyone to know that recovery is possible. Spero Health’s goal is to engage patients where they are in their journey and personalize the program to meet their specific needs so they can stabilize allowing for interventions to support sustained recovery efforts. Patients will have weekly access to a physician or nurse practitioner, counseling and recovery support services that help link them back to the community to address other issues such as housing, food insecurity, employment and much more. We want to make it as easy as possible for patients to get the help they need that’s both affordable and close to home.”