San Marcos, TX, April 2, 2024—Cenikor, a leading nonprofit behavioral health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment network, is thrilled to announce the acquisition of a $100,000 contract to implement a comprehensive opioid treatment and education program in Hays County. This initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing the pressing challenges posed by opioid use in the community.
The program, funded by opioid settlement funds, will focus on integrating medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with prevention education and harm reduction strategies. These efforts aim to provide holistic support to individuals struggling with opioid use disorder while also raising awareness and promoting safer practices within the community.
“We are honored to have been awarded this contract, which will enable us to expand our services and make a meaningful impact on the opioid epidemic,” said Bill Bailey, President and CEO of Cenikor. “This program underscores our commitment to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care to those affected by substance use disorder.”
Key components of the program include:
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): A dedicated nurse practitioner will conduct MAT inductions, ensuring medication and counseling support for individuals seeking recovery from opioid addiction.
- Community Education and Outreach: Collaborating with local government and other entities, Cenikor will offer training sessions for local healthcare professionals, as well as increase access to Naloxone, a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, at community events.
- Youth Prevention Initiatives: Working closely with school districts and community stakeholders, Cenikor will launch a fentanyl education initiative targeting students in grades 6-12. Through informative sessions and outreach programs, the dangers of fentanyl will be highlighted, empowering youth to make informed decisions.
“We believe that education and prevention are vital components of any comprehensive approach to addressing the opioid crisis,” said Carla Merritt, Director of Prevention Services at Cenikor. “By engaging with both individuals struggling with substance use disorder and the broader community, we can create a safer, healthier environment for everyone.”
The program will be managed by Cenikor’s experienced team of professionals and is scheduled to commence on April 1, 2024, running through April 2025.
For more information about Cenikor and its initiatives, please visit www.cenikor.org.
About Cenikor
Cenikor believes in behavioral health for all. Named a Center of Excellence for SUD by Evernorth, a Cigna corporation, Cenikor combines quality, evidence-based care with affordable services for life-changing outcomes. More than 300,000 lives have been changed in the process.
For more information about this news release, please contact Maddie Profilet, Marketing and Media Relations Director, 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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