VERGENNES — A Massachusetts company that provides outpatient medication-assisted treatment for opioid and alcohol addiction will open a new treatment center in Vergennes on Monday, Sept. 16. SaVida Health is opening SaVida Health Vergennes, its fourth Vermont location — joining the SaVida Health Bennington, Springfield and Newport sites.
SaVida Vergennes is opening up at the former home of Creative Space Gallery at 214 Main St.
Officials at SaVida Health made the point that their treatment doesn’t include methadone.
They said the company’s holistic and customized approach to care sets it apart from other programs by treating each patient on an individual basis and providing comprehensive, evidenced-based services designed to meet a person’s unique needs. In addition to prescribing FDA-approved medications like Suboxone and Vivitrol during weekly, biweekly or monthly visits, SaVida staff also provide medical care, counseling, case management and long-term support.
Through its case management services, SaVida helps connect its patients who might be experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, or unemployment to area resources.
“While methadone is an option for patients requiring a highly structured daily program, there are far more benefits to the buprenorphine-based medicines (e.g. Suboxone) we prescribe,” said Dr. Sue Cary, medical director at SaVida Health, in a press release. “Unlike methadone, there is no euphoric high or cognitive impairment with buprenorphine. Because there is a ceiling effect, dose levels can be decreased over time. With methadone, patients build up a tolerance, which requires an increase in dosage over time. Also, it is easier for most people to reclaim their lives with scheduled weekly or monthly appointments.”
“Vermont is where I grew up so I couldn’t be more excited to bring our services to Vergennes,” said Sharon Shepard, SaVida Health chief operating officer. “Addiction is a chronic disease that has touched most people’s lives. Unfortunately, patients and families often lack information about effective treatment options. We help educate patients and their families as well as offer effective treatment. We meet our patients where they are in their recovery and help them take important next steps to reclaim their lives and to support their sobriety.”
SaVida Health is part of Vermont’s Hub and Spoke program and accepts Medicaid and most insurance plans.
More information about the Vergennes location of SaVida Health is at (802) 870-0662 or SaVidaHealth.com.