Reading Hospital was designated by the PA Department of Human Services as an Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence in 2016.
Centers of Excellence offer team-based services focused on the “whole person” – with the explicit goal of integrating behavioral health with primary care. Patients of these centers:
Have an opioid-related substance abuse use disorder
May have co-occurring behavioral and physical health conditions
Need help to navigate the care system
Need guidance to stay engaged in treatment to avoid relapsing
What services does the Reading Hospital Center of Excellence provide?
Center of Excellence Care Coordinators connect individuals to medical and treatment services, including substance abuse, mental health, primary care, and medication-assisted treatment for addiction, pain management, dental, eye care, etc.
The coordinators work closely with the patient to develop a plan to resolve unmet social needs, such as housing, childcare, educational/vocational skills, employment, transportation, clothing and food, health insurance, and recovery-friendly recreation and activities.
Our Care Management Team can also:
- Assist in establishing a health recovery support network
- Provide education, information, and support regarding addiction and recovery to individuals struggling with an opioid addiction, family members, agencies, and community groups
- Assist in transitioning patients to their next level of care
- Assist in re-establishing and improving family and other significant relationships
- Can meet with patients in the community
WHAT IS AN OPIOID?
- Medications that doctors prescribe to treat pain.
- These medications can be addictive
- They can be illegally obtained on the street
- Include illegal substances like Heroin
How do I make a referral?
Referrals can be made by calling the Reading Hospital Center of Excellence at 484-628-5790 (Spanish: 484-628-4984), by emailing COE@towerhealth.org, or by completing an online referral form.
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?
Everyone in Pennsylvania is able to obtain Narcan without a prescription. Narcan is a reversal agent for an Opioid overdose. Narcan blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and restores breathing in two to eight minutes. Berks County residents and businesses can obtain a Narcan kit through The Council on Chemical Abuse free of charge. For more information visit cocaberks.org. You can help stop an overdose and give 1st responders a chance to save a neighbor, a friend or even a loved one.