Farmington, New Mexico – Cenikor, a leading provider of substance and alcohol treatment is thrilled to announce that Cenikor’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Eric Ketcham, MD, MBA, FACEP, FASAM, FACHE, FAAEM, was invited to participate in an event hosted by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to celebrate the removal of the x-waiver and how more health providers are joining in providing treatment for addiction.
Last month, President Biden signed into law the bipartisan omnibus appropriations bill, which includes key provisions to expand access to treatment for substance use disorder, provide additional resources to first responders on the front lines of the overdose epidemic, and extend important controls enabling law enforcement officials to reduce the supply and availability of illicitly manufactured fentanyl-related substances (FRS) driving overdose deaths. Removal of the x-waiver is a vitally important first step toward helping those suffering from Substance Use Disorder, at a time when fewer than 1 out of 10 Americans who need treatment can access it. Cenikor’s facilities applaud this important action taken by the Biden administration, and we are excited to be represented by Dr. Ketcham at this prestigious event.
“It was a great honor to be recognized with other key leaders and advocates for getting the MAT Act passed and signed. “ says Ketcham, “This will be a very impactful change in the law, removing the X-waiver, and the restrictions, barriers, and stigma associated with it. This will open more opportunities for treatment of opioid use disorder, a very disabling and lethal, but treatable condition.”
Cenikor’s facilities across Texas and in New Mexico offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to our clients who wish to pursue this treatment option. “Dr. Ketcham was involved in the review of the original bill, and put a lot of work into helping get this passed,” said Bill Bailey, President and CEO of Cenikor. “In addition, Dr. Ketcham has provided expert testimony before the US Congress, House Judiciary Committee, and spoke as an invited expert at two Congressional briefings. Cenikor is so proud to have Dr. Ketcham as a part of our team, and we certainly applaud the efforts and recognition of Dr. Ketcham in the area of MAT treatment in the United States.”
The overdose crisis in the United States is an urgent priority for the Biden-Harris Administration. ONDCP leads and coordinates the nation’s drug policy so that it improves the health and lives of the American people. The agency works together with federal agencies, Congress, and communities across the country to reduce overdoses and save lives. Under the leadership of Dr. Rahul Gupta, ONDCP is responsible for the development and implementation of the National Drug Control Strategy and Budget. The ONDCP White House event celebrating the passage of the “Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment” Act will take place on Tuesday January 24.
“There is a serious need for a medication-assisted SUD treatment program,” said Dr. Sabih Faraz, Sr. Regional Director for Cenikor, “and our staff strives to provide the best MAT services through our evidenced-based treatment of addiction from alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, and other substances.” It bears noting that Cenikor has a very strong success rate with its clients. More than 45% of clients completed the program or transitioned to the next level of care during the referenced six-month period, and nearly 23% are still in treatment.
“Cenikor’s 37-bed Farmington center provides proven treatment programs for withdrawal management, short-term residential, and outpatient for both drug and alcohol addiction,” said Jolene Schneider, Facility Director for Cenikor’s Farmington location. “We look forward to adding medication-assisted treatment soon, and further expanding our programs to meet the ever-changing needs of our community.”
Cenikor is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that offers an array of successful rehabilitation programs, tailored to treat people who want to be free from substance use. Since its inception in 1967, Cenikor has been dedicated to helping those in need. Cenikor continues to evolve to offer supportive services to veterans, adults, and adolescents in several cities across Texas, and neighboring states. More than 150,000 lives have been changed in the process.
For more information about this news release, please contact Cenikor via email at media@cenikor.org. If you or someone you know is seeking treatment for substance use disorder, call Cenikor today at 1-888-236-4567.
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