Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
A new clinic, offering medication assisted treatment), has opened here in the Central Pharmacy building on Main Street.
Central Clinic, operated by Dr. Michael Page along with two nurses, offers a program combining behavioral therapy with medications to treat substance use disorders; in this case opioid use disorder.
The clinic will be open to deliver the medication assisted treatment program every other Wednesday at 5 p.m.. The second clinic is set for Wednesday., July 17.
Services are by appointment only. Central Clinic will adjust schedules to accommodate patient needs.
Dr. Page has completed required training in opioid use disorders and has received a special number from the national Drug Enforcement Agency allowing him privileges to write prescriptions for medications used to treat opioid use disorder patients.
Dr. Page has completed the certification process which also combines addiction counseling services for all patients with a counselor certified in addiction treatment.
“It is important that the public is aware that substance abuse disorder and addiction is a disease and should be treated just like high blood pressure and heart disease,” said Shane Wendel, owner of the new clinic at Carrington’s Central Pharmacy location.
“Opioid use disorders have become highly prevalent in the U.S. and have led to high numbers of fatal medication overdoses,” said Dr. Page.
“Patients with addictions to painkillers, heroin, morphine, i.e.: opioids, often have few local options to receive help. Specialized treatment facilities exist but are located mainly in larger cities,” Dr. Page added.
“Access for patients can be logistically difficult and financially burdensome.”
Billing for services at the clinic are the same as a clinical visit. As all services are by appointment only, treatment options are available by calling (701) 652-2651.
