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DHSS Press Release

Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Pager 302-357-7498
Email: jill.fredel@state.de.us

Date: February 19, 2019
DHSS-02-2019

DIVISION OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH OPENS FIRST INTEGRATED TREATMENT HOMES IN DELAWARE

NEW CASTLE (Feb. 19, 2019) - The Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) marked the opening of its first integrated treatment home in Delaware on Friday, Feb. 15, with a ribbon-cutting event in Bear featuring Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long and DSAMH Director Elizabeth Romero.

The event was held at the site of The Refuge, a new 30-bed home for men recovering from substance use disorder, operated by Peace by Piece. The home is open to adult men transitioning from management withdrawal or from residential treatment, but who still need the support of clinical treatment in their recovery, as well as transitional housing, vocational or educational training, and social services case management. The 20-bed Leona Mae's House, also in Bear, is open to women in recovery. People are referred to each home by treatment providers.

"For those struggling with an addiction or mental illness, integrated treatment homes are a critical piece to the recovery process," said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, who also serves as Chair of the Behavioral Health Consortium. "We know that services like these will save lives and benefit our community."

Romero said the two homes bring the total number of integrated treatment home beds in the state to 50, with plans to open a similar home for women and their children in March, and another integrated treatment home in Harrington operated by Connections.

"We want people to know that these integrated treatment homes are here," Romero said. "Our vision is to see such homes throughout the state so people can live, grow and recover."

Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker said the new integrated treatment homes were fostered in part by a 14-month review of Delaware's substance use disorder treatment system by researchers from Johns Hopkins University. In July 2018, the Hopkins team issued four strategic recommendations to strengthen Delaware's system:

Increase the capacity of the treatment system;
Engage high-risk populations in treatment;
Create incentives for quality care; and
Use data to guide reform and monitor progress.

"The opening of these integrated treatment homes is about meeting people where they are in their recovery," said Secretary Walker, a board-certified family physician. "We want people to have the full access to the continuum of care, and these homes, which include clinical treatment, represent a piece that was missing."

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction in Delaware, call DSAMH's Crisis Hotline to talk to a trained professional about treatment and recovery options. In New Castle County, call 1-800-652-2929. In Kent or Sussex counties, call 1-800-345-6785. Or visit www.HelpIsHereDE.com to find treatment services and resources in Delaware or nearby states.

NOTE TO MEDIA: For DHSS photos from the ribbon-cutting: https://www.flickr.com/photos/deldhss/albums/72157706766218505

For a DHSS video from the event:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUsrLyjpHjY

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

DIVISION OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH OPENS FIRST INTEGRATED TREATMENT HOMES IN DELAWARE

Delaware's Government