Ideal Option, an outpatient medication-assisted treatment program for individuals suffering from substance use disorder, has opened a second clinic in Bismarck in response to an uptick in fentanyl use.
Ideal Option opens in Redmond to help those struggling with addiction
Central Oregon Daily News
Ideal Option, an outpatient medication-assisted treatment facility for individuals who struggle with substace use disorder, is officially open in Redmond thanks to Measure 110. The Redmond clinic is the second to open in Central Oregon, joining one in Bend.Measure 110 also helped Ideal Option partner with the Deschutes County Jail to provide addiction training and help to inmates before they leave.
“I personally feel like Redmond is needing more providers, especially when you’re dealing with individuals that live out here and they don’t have a way or means to make it to Bend,” said Shawnda Jennings, Peer Support Outreach Specialist for Ideal Option.
Ideal Option opens Redmond addiction medicine clinic to help curb drug crisis fueled by fentanyl’s rise
KTVZ News
Ideal Option, a national leader in evidence-based treatment for addiction to fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, alcohol and polysubstance, has been awarded grant funding through Oregon’s Measure 110 initiative to expand services to Redmond, where its new clinic has just opened.
“I am excited that our much-needed services are now available in Redmond,” said Shawnda Jennings, peer outreach specialist at Ideal Option. “As someone in recovery myself, I know how important it is to have easy access to treatment and am so grateful to be able to give back to the community that helped me.”
Jason Hanby, a physician assistant with Ideal Option, said, "We also do blood draws as well, checking for kind of a basic blood panel, to make sure nothing is abnormal. Even though we don’t treat chronic or acute conditions, we can at least recognize those and refer them to the appropriate providers for that.”
Ideal Option set to open addiction medicine clinic in Redmond, its second Deschutes County location
KTVZ News
Ideal Option, a national leader in evidence-based treatment for addiction to fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, alcohol and polysubstance, said it has been awarded grant funding through Oregon’s Measure 110 initiative to expand services to Redmond.
“I am excited that our much-needed services are now available in Redmond,” said Shawnda Jennings, peer outreach specialist at Ideal Option. “As someone in recovery myself, I know how important it is to have easy access to treatment and am so grateful to be able to give back to the community that helped me.”
Fentanyl remains a growing problem for law enforcement and support services in Gallatin County
KBZK Bozeman
Captain Eric Paulson with the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office says fentanyl overdoses are on the rise because of how cheap and easy the drug is to ingest.
“When we looked at the the number of pills that were actually seized in 2020 to 2021 combined was under 100, and in 2022, last year, we had over 12,000 seized here in Gallatin County,” Paulson said.
“For fentanyl use in the Bozeman clinic, we are seeing about 100 patients a week,” says Nurse Practitioner Brooke Hewitt of Ideal Option.
Hewitt says Ideal Option can offer other options to Narcan.
“We have different initiation methods that will prevent them from going into severe withdrawals, which prevent a lot of people from coming in to get help," says Hewitt. "A lot of times we put them on a medication called Buprenorphine, and it's a partial opiate compared to fentanyl, which is a full opiate.”
At Marysville drug takeback, providers aim for ‘biggest possible impact’
Everett Herald
Ideal Option hosted the “Recovery Starts Today!” drug takeback and treatment event where people could connect with a variety of supportive services, including housing, health insurance, medication and other therapies, and even free cell phones and service. They could also dispose of illicit substances and drug paraphernalia without fear of any legal repercussions. April Provost, community outreach coordinator, said these events are important to reach people who are ready for treatment, now. She relates to the experience of addiction.
“I remember how helpless and hopeless I felt, and not knowing where to go and how to get the help that I needed. And feeling very stigmatized and labeled by it,” Provost said. “I wanted to create an environment where people would have direct access to services” and “the biggest possible impact.”
Nurse practitioner Lindsey Paragin treats patients at the Marysville clinic, primarily people who are trying to recover from opiates, alcohol and methamphetamines. Watching people change their lives can be very rewarding, she said.
“Every single day that I’m here I get to witness miracles,” she said at the event Friday.
Other participants on Friday included A1 Lifeline, Catholic Community Services, EvergreenHealth Monroe, Holman Recovery Center, Marysville Police Department, Providence Regional Medical Center Everett, Snohomish County Health Department, Sound Pathways, The Hand Up Project, MercyWatch and UnitedHealthcare. Total Rentals of Everett donated the tent, heaters and other supplies for the event.
Family Service Agency discusses Opioid Use Disorder and how to treat it
KATV News
Aaron Bunch, Ideal Option's Arkansas community outreach coordinator, discuss services provided by Ideal Option, what opioid use disorder is, how medication-assisted treatment can help with substance use disorder, and provides information on the local methamphetamine and fentanyl crisis.
"We want to help people get to a better place. We want to decudes deaths, reduce overdoses, reunite families, and help people get their lives back. That's one of the things we concentrate on at Ideal Option and because of the treatment protocol that we have, we've been very successful at it. It's about focusing on the patient. We don't care where you came from or who you are. We just want to meet you where you're at and get you to a better place," Aaron said.
Richland PD to crack down on public drug use; are more arrests key to ending drug crisis?
KAPP-KVEW
In 2021, the Washington Supreme Court ruled, in the State v. Blake decision, that the states felony drug possession statute was unconstitutional. Recently, Richland Police posted on Facebook, saying since that ruling, they've seen an increase of open drug use in public spaces. the post goes on to list the two Richland Municipal Codes passed by City Council. Andrea Munder with Ideal Option said sometimes, an arrest can be the beginning of someone's journey to sobriety.
"We have the resources to be able to help the patients once they are incarcerated. If they come into the jail and they've recently used any sort of opiates, we have the ability to prescribe them some medications to help them withdraw from those medications, and get them on something a little more long term to help them with their sobriety," Andrea is Ideal Option's Director of Jail Services.
It doesn't end with incarceration, Andrea said it's important that these patients follow through with treatment after they're released.
"Making sure that they're partnered up with some sort of an outpatient to help them to continue, we have same-day appointments if they're released, we have partnered up with the officers to be able to give them rides to the clinic," she said.
Ideal Option: New substance abuse treatment clinic opens in Springfield
KMTR NBC 16
Marty Nelms is a peer outreach specialist with Ideal Option, a substance abuse treatment clinic that opened its second clinic Lane County. After suffering with substance use disorder himself, Nelms hopes to have a positive impact on his community and help those struggling with addiction.
"Having spent twenty years out there on the streets, I know exactly how bad it can be, and my life was horrible. As soon as I got clean and I started experiencing life again, I wanted to help others," Nelms said.
Nelms says that his lived experience as a former addict has helped him assist those dealing with addiction across the board.
“I'm from this community, so it's close to my heart. I was an intravenous opioid and methamphetamine user for over twenty years. For everybody, it's different; but there are certain pieces to a puzzle and algorithm and when you finally find what works, that's what you stick with. What separates us from other clinics is me, the peer support,” he explains. “With peer support we can get them hooked up to any other types of services. We can get them to detox, inpatient treatment, the whole gambit.”
Ideal Option and Nelms say they've seen consistent improvement from those who have had at least three appointments at their clinics.
"That's the beauty of peer support,” Nelms says. “Only peers can well and truly get through to people because they have that lived experience; they have that relatability. You can get someone to trust you."
Salem clinic using medication to treat addicted inmates at Marion County Jail
Salem Reporter
People incarcerated at the Marion County Jail can now receive medication to treat opioid addiction and go through withdrawals safely while in custody. Ideal Option, a private medication-assisted treatment center with a Salem clinic, started its treatment at the jail in early January through a contract with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Josh Lair, the Salem-based community outreach coordinator for Ideal Option, said a mentor at his clinic works with those being treated in jail to arrange continued treatment once they are released. Lair said the medication-assisted treatment will help prevent people addicted to opiates from seeking drugs when they are released to overcome their withdrawal symptoms. Such a move can be fatal because their tolerance for drugs diminishes while people are in jail.
“Individuals that struggle with substance use, they’re still a part of our community,” Lair said. “They’re not outliers. They’re not this other class of people, they’re still human beings that live within our community.”
Arkansas drug director to speak at Ideal Option open house
KNWA & Fox 24
Newly appointed Arkansas drug director Boyce Hamlet is scheduled to speak at an open house event for a local clinic.
Ideal Option, a national leader in outpatient medication-assisted treatment for opioids, methamphetamine, alcohol, and polysubstance, announced it will host an open house at their clinic in Springdale.
During the open house, attendees can enjoy refreshments and learn more about the services provided by Ideal Option, tour the facility, meet expert staff and pick up materials.
New Drug Treatment Planned For Jail
KBND
A month after five inmates overdosed on fentanyl in a four-hour span, the Deschutes County Jail plans to launch a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program. Jail Commander Captain Michael Shults says the Sheriff's Office is expanding its partnership with Ideal Option.
"We’ve opened our door to Ideal Option and said, ‘If you can get a grant, we’re going to allow you in. We’re going to work with you’," Shults said.
Shults added, "Studies have shown that the MAT program reduces drug use, overdose events, as well as promotes recovery in individuals with opiate use disorders. It really helps the whole system - the criminal justice system." The jail already provides treatment options like counseling, but Shults believes offering MAT at the first interaction - screening inmates at booking - will lead to faster, better outcomes.
Representative Dan Newhouse visits Ideal Option treatment center in Kennewick
NBC Right Now
Representative Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) visited the Ideal Option treatment center in Kennewick on January 23 in an effort to understand what resources are available in the area.
Ideal Option reports it has helped over 65,000 patients across 80 office-based medication treatments locations in 11 states. The treatment is reportedly enabled through extensive toxicology, according to Ideal Option.
Newhouse visited the center to discuss the available treatments for opioid addiction and understand how they work. Ideal Option uses measurement-based treatment and lab results to measure outcomes. Its Kennewick location treats for opioid addictions including fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone and stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine, plus assisted treatment for alcohol withdrawal and relapse prevention.
“To have resources like this available to people here in Central Washington, that’s a good thing,” said Rep. Newhouse. “It really is. To get ourselves out of this situation that we find ourselves in, it’s going to take a lot of different things. But this is a key part of it: to get people the help that they need.”
More coverage on the Congressman's visit
Today, Representative Dan Newhouse toured Ideal Option, a local Addiction Recovery Center in Kennewick to learn more about treatment options for the growing opioid epidemic. READ MORE
Opioid use, and fentanyl in particular, has been fostering a deadly drug epidemic in the last several years. It’s something one local leader took a closer look at Monday. Congressman Dan Newhouse visited the Tri-Cities-grown opioid treatment center, Ideal Option, to discuss treatment alternatives when it comes to opioid use. READ MORE
Chronicle: Fighting fentanyl
KETV 7
Increasing access to addiction treatment services is crucial in the effort to tackle the worsening opioid crisis in Omaha. Fentanyl, a highly addictive synthetic opioid that’s about 50 times more potent than heroin, is quickly becoming a public health crisis in Nebraska. The DEA's Omaha field division (covering 5 states) seized almost 5 million lethal doses of fentanyl in 2022; roughly one million in Nebraska alone. Ideal Option, an outpatient medication-assisted treatment program that specializes in treating individuals with substance use disorder, has opened their first clinic in Nebraska
"I really do think suboxone helps people with substance use disorder. Part of the way that it works is that is stablizes the brain so when they have the medicine in their system, they're actually able to think clearly and do their normal daily life activities, but suboxone also helps prevent overdose. So if someone has suboxone in their system and they do come across fentanyl and use it, it prevents overdose and helps save lives in that way", said Nathan "Ed" Kaiser, a nurse practitioner at the new Omaha Ideal Option.
When asked about Ideal Option's success rate, Kaiser said, "The success rate is amazing. Patients who have been in our program for 6-12 months have a 95% - 96% reduction in opioid use, even with other substances too. A lot of patients are using meth, or benzos, or alcohol. When they stabilize on a program on suboxone, they're able to reduce a lot of other substance use. Our goal is to be a low-barrier access for people who need treatment... we want people to know wherever they're at in the process we're here to help them."
Uptick in the fentanyl crisis in North Dakota
KFYR TV
Fentanyl use is on the rise in North Dakota. For residents in Bismarck, there are resources to help with the opioid crisis. In the past year, Ideal Option has opened up a second clinic to improve access and allow more people to get same-day appointments.
“The fentanyl crisis in 2022 definitely increased from the previous year. As just here in North Dakota, we saw an uptick of the patient population related to the fentanyl crisis,” said Trevor Stavig, nurse practitioner at Ideal Option.
Stavig believes there are a couple of reasons opioid usage is on the rise.
“I would say easy-access is probably the number one reason why there is an increase in the fentanyl use around here as it is getting here easier, it’s becoming cheaper. So you add those two together, you’re just adding fuel to the fire,” said Stavig.
Collaboration for greater good
The Business Journal of North Idaho
Ideal Option and Brick House Recovery have come together under one roof in Coeur d'Alene to provide an array of services for clients seeking outpatient medication-assisted treatment for addiction and faith-based addiction recovery support.
"I feel great about this," Ideal Option CEO Tim Kilgallon said. "Brick House Recovery is so complementary to the services we provide. What we provide is specialization around medication-assisted treatment and what they provide is specialization around counseling and support. The two together really stand the best chance of having an excellent recovery zone."
Kim Hill, Ideal Option's Idaho community outreach coordinator, works closely with Brick House Recovery sites in Idaho Falls and Boise. She and a colleague were discussing the Coeur d'Alene expansion when they had the idea of sharing space with Brick House.
"I was like, 'We’re getting a new building, and it's really large. Why don’t we look at a partnership?'" Hill said.
"It was more of a dream than a reality at that point. Both organizations are very big on community collaboration. That's how this partnership came about and we were able to come to terms to occupy the same building."
After slow Measure 110 rollout, Salem providers get millions to expand addiction treatment
Salem Reporter
Millions of dollars are flowing to Marion County addiction treatment services, providing what many longtime workers in the field say is the biggest expansion of services they’ve ever seen.
Ideal Option is kickstarting a medication-assisted treatment program at the Marion County Jail, allowing people in custody to start treatment rather than suffering from withdrawal. Community Outreach Manager Josh Lair states that offering jail treatment will help break the cycle where people addicted to opiates go into withdrawal while in jail, are released from custody and immediately seek out drugs to make withdrawal symptoms go away. That cycle can be deadly as people lose tolerance while in jail.
“We will make sure that they have an appointment for when they get out,” said Lair. The program got a $924,000 grant from Measure 110 funds.
“People overdose all the time because they think they can use the same amount of opiates they were using prior to going into custody,” he said.
How these local organizations work to cut through barriers to help people fight addiction
Statesman Journal
Oregon ranks 2nd nationally for people with substance use disorders, but 50th in access to services for treatment, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Oregon also ranks 1st in both prescription opioid and methamphetamine use and fifth for alcohol abuse, according to the same report.
Some community organizations, such as Ideal Option, are working to improve these statistics by providing comprehensive locally-based treatment. Receiving care in the community someone lives in can be a lot more approachable than going to a larger treatment facility or hospital. Ideal Option has outpatient clinics in Eugene and Salem that help support people recovering from addiction through medication-assisted treatment and working with community partners to remove barriers to access services and create smoother systems for care at the local level.
Community outreach manager Josh Lair emphasized the importance of community care because it meets people where they are at. Lair said he believes one reason programs like Ideal Option are successful is because they help increase accessibility to services and resources for recovery as well as decrease stigma around seeking care.
Organizations in Great Falls receiving part of the City’s ARPA funds
ABC Fox Montana
Organizations in the Electric City are receiving funds from the City’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The Great Falls City Commission approved a recommendation to fund fourteen submissions to local businesses using $2,884,557.00 of the ARPA funds allocated to the City.
Ideal Option received $228,980.00 for increasing access to medication assisted treatment (MAT). Ideal Option offers substance use disorder treatment in Great Falls and is looking to increase access in the City by opening a second location. These funds will be used to offset the expenses incurred in the first six months of this new location.
Woman finds opioid recovery at Bismarck treatment center
KX News
Pam Emmil fell victim to addiction when she was prescribed a series of pain medication after more than half a dozen surgeries over the last 10 years. She didn’t notice she had a problem until doctors told her she couldn’t have anymore. A few years ago, Emmil found out about Ideal Option, a recently opened treatment center, and Emmil was their first patient.
“They do about a two-hour intake with you. They really listen to you, they want to hear what you’re going through. And then if they feel you’re a candidate, they prescribe medication,” Emmil said.
Pam stated she's been coming to Ideal Option for about four years. She has a monthly appointment and is prescribed suboxone.
Spike in fentanyl use leaves Gallatin County on the cusp of crisis
Bozeman Daily Chronicle
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that’s about 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency, is quickly becoming a public health crisis in Montana. The amount of fentanyl seized in the first six months of 2022 was more than double the amount sized in the entirety of 2021, according to DPHHS.
Sheri Bagley, a family nurse practitioner at Ideal Option, an addiction clinic in Bozeman that treats a wide range of substance use disorders, said about 60% of new patients the clinic saw in the past two months reported issues with fentanyl use. Bagley also said many of her patients were surprised to learn from a urine test that they even have fentanyl in their system.
“And it scares them,” Bagley said. “ ... There’s so many people dying from fentanyl, especially people who are opiate naïve, because they don’t have the tolerance. And so I mean, they can take one puff off a meth pipe and collapse.”
Drug overdose deaths up 20% in the state, woman shares her struggles with addiction
Montana Right Now
Across the state of Montana, there has been a 20% increase in drug related overdose deaths in the last year, which is the 8th highest increase nationwide. When you break down the data from the CDC, it shows 195 people died in Montana from a drug overdose in 2021.
47-year-old Great Falls native, Marvalee Singleton, shares her story of falling victim to opioid use disorder.
"So, I have a really bad back and neck and I went to a pain doctor and he prescribed me pain meds. Well, of course me, you know, I'm in pain and I took more than I should have and I got addicted," said Singleton.
It wasn't until a few years later that she decided to get help.
"I would fall asleep on the couch, cigarette in my hand, burn the carpet. My daughters were not happy at all. And I said, I'm getting off of these. I can't do this. I need help. So, I came by Ideal Option and this is where I am five and a half years later," said Singleton.
Ending Addiction as Overdose Deaths Soar
The Source Weekly
Ideal Option's peer outreach specialist, Shawnda Jennings, spends her time in Bend and other central Oregon communities to help people recover from substance use disorder. Shawnda shares her inspiring personal journey to recovery, and more about Ideal Option and the peer outreach program.
"It kind of runs deep in my veins and my soul. So, I felt like there was a purpose of why I went through everything I went through. And that's to be able to share that hope to other people and let them know that there is light on the other side," Jennings said.
"Not having that support is really hard for individuals and not having a home, not having somewhere to take a shower and the normal things that we take for granted, they don't have that and it makes it hard for people that are homeless to seek out recovery." That's why I tried to get that relationship and get them in some sort of program. It can actually give them a good support system to do to be able to overcome what they're going through."
Overdose deaths rise statewide, alarming health officials in Central Oregon
The Bulletin
Drug related overdose deaths in Oregon have more than doubled since 2019, fueled by fentanyl, which is being found in other drugs, like meth, heroin, and opioids. The number of overdose deaths from fentanyl in Oregon increased from 71 in 2019 to 509 in 2021, according to data provided by the Oregon Health Authority.
“Overdoses are a crazy reality right now and far too prevalent now. Fentanyl is now in everything. It's rare to see analysis with pure anything.” said Josh Lair, a peer-to-peer counselor and community outreach manager with Ideal Option.
Ideal Option hosts event Friday to support addiction recovery
Salem Reporter
Ideal Option, a medication-assisted treatment clinic focused on helping lead people into recovery through its outpatient treatment for opioids, methamphetamine and alcohol abuse, is hosting an event to get more people into recovery in Salem, OR. At this event, people can surrender illicit substances and paraphernalia for safe disposal, learn about community resources, complete intake and, if desired, see a provider immediately to start medication-assisted treatment, according to a press release.
This event is designed to empower those in the community who are struggling with the disease of addiction to come forward without fear of legal repercussions and begin their recovery with medication-assisted treatment.
Ideal Option opens a second clinic in Bismarck
KFYR-TV
Ideal Option opened a second clinic in Bismarck to better address the fentanyl crisis and substance abuse addiction use in North Dakota. The clinic provides services for all substance use disorders and provides resources for counseling, support groups, medication-assisted treatment with Suboxone, and inpatient treatment if needed.
“I think that having the second location was really important because of the rise that we’ve seen in fentanyl use throughout North Dakota. Having access to care is, again, our number one goal,” said Sarah Kucera, a physician assistant at Ideal Option.
Ideal Option opens second recovery clinic in Bismarck to help with opioid crisis
KX News
Ideal Option recently opened a second location in Bismarck, ND on West Division Avenue to help those struggling with addiction.
“The biggest reason we have a second location here in Bismarck is we saw a greater need with the increase in Fentanyl use around the community,” said Trevor Stavig, Ideal Option's nurse practitioner.
“Fentanyl use in the state of North Dakota was up 95% in our patient population in 2021,” said Sarah Kucera, Ideal Option's physician assistant.
Kucera says obtaining fentanyl is easy for people. She believes having access to a recovery program should be just as easy.
“We are low-barrier access to care,” said Kucera. “We don’t have any wait times. We are accepting new patients. We accept walk-in patients. We are ready and willing to meet people where they are.”
Addiction services available in Billings
YourBigSky.com
Ideal Option is a medication-assisted treatment program that's treating patients with opioid use disorder or other substance use disorders using detox medication like Suboxone and Vivitrol in a primary care setting. Patients at Ideal Option are treated in a respectful, caring, and non-judgemental way. They also offer different financial services for those who need it. New patients can start treatment in a matter of 24 hours.
Ideal Option and access to addiction treatment
The Gallatin News
Ideal Option opened its second treatment center in the Billings, MT to ensure that addiction treatment for drug and alcohol use disorder is accessible to those seeking help.
Peer Outreach Specialist Amanda Mclauchlin goes out into the community to offer support to the homeless population. She says she shares her own experiences with them, which allows her to relate and understand tough overcoming addiction can be especially when access is so limited.
“It's crucial that we are able to offer that immediate support and accessibility too. We have walk-in appointments and that’s huge and important you know for successful treatment I think when people are ready, they can get the access they need,” says Mclauchlin.
Ideal Option and access to addiction treatment
Olean Times Herald
Ideal Option just opened its second treatment center in the Billings, MT to ensure that addiction treatment for drugs and alcohol abuse is accessible to those seeking help.
Addiction medicine provider Lisa, ARNP says there is a real problem with the lack of available resources and access for the number of people who need treatment. “We noticed a large amount of drug influx, especially with the opioid crisis and the lack of resources for people who feel comfortable reaching out for those... We’re trying to open up that access so people have that access to care and rather than going to use they can come to us and start on that journey for recovery.”
Suboxone clinic proposed for downtown Monroe
Snohomish County Tribune
A new site for an addiction medicine clinic, Ideal Option, has been proposed in downtown Monroe. Ideal Option currently has four clinics in Snohomish County located in Arlington, Marysville, Everett, and Mountlake Terrace.
April Provost, a Community Peer Outreach Specialist at Ideal Option, has been sober for three years and working in the recovery field for two and a half. She knows the challenges of conquering addiction firsthand.
“You can’t plan for the future because you can’t see past your next fix. You can’t imagine one; there’s no hope. It’s a very dark place to be in,” Provost said.
For those who don’t need treatment services, a new office location may not seem significant; however, it will help brighten the path to recovery for individuals suffering with a substance use disorder.
Ideal Option and access to addiction treatment
KULR 8
Ideal Option opened its second treatment center in the Billings, MT to ensure that addiction treatment for drug and alcohol use disorder is accessible to those seeking help. Lisa Ehret, APRN, FNP-C, an addiction medicine provider at Ideal Option, said the second location was needed because she was seeing about 75 to 100 patients a day for addiction services at the first clinic. She adds there is a real problem with the lack of available resources and access for the number of people who need treatment.
“We noticed a large amount of drug influx, especially with the opioid crisis and the lack of resources for people who feel comfortable reaching out for those... We’re trying to open up that access so people have that access to care and rather than going to use they can come to us and start on that journey for recovery,” Ehret said.
Amanda Mclauchlin is Billings' peer outreach specialist who goes out into the community to offer support populations who need it. She says she shares her own experiences with them, which allows her to relate and understand tough overcoming addiction can be especially when access is so limited.
“It's crucial that we are able to offer that immediate support and accessibility too. We have walk-in appointments and that’s huge and important you know for successful treatment I think when people are ready, they can get the access they need,” says Mclauchlin.
A new way to treat addiction in Salem
Salem Reporter
After becoming sober over a decade ago, community outreach coordinator Josh Lair now works at Ideal Option's Salem clinic — An outpatient medication-assisted treatment clinic that offers same-day access to medications that have proven effective in reducing opioid and methamphetamine abuse.
Ideal Option's addiction medicine provider Rhonda Woodside, ARNP says the clinic can offer treatment to people who can’t access inpatient treatment because of a lack of space or life circumstances that won’t let them complete a 30-day program.
Lair and Woodside's goal is to help remove barriers and stigma that make people reluctant to get help.
“Would you tell someone who’s diabetic they're addicted to their insulin? Would you tell someone with asthma they’re addicted to their inhaler?” Woodside said. “We look at Suboxone as a maintenance medicine for a disease that you have, just as if you’re diabetic.”
And getting people to cut down on drug abuse is “still so stigmatized,” Lair said. “We should be wanting people in medication-assisted treatment, because the alternative is crime to support the habit, DHS involvement,” he said.
Increased demand for treatment of substance use disorders involving fentanyl, providers say
King 5
The King County Council is considering a resolution that would declare fentanyl a public health crisis. Ideal Option, which offers medication-assisted treatment for opioids, alcohol and other substance use disorders, says its seen a significant increase in patients seeking treatment for fentanyl.
"First they will get assessed by a counselor and see what's needed there and then I will assess them and my main job honestly is to support the patient in their road of sobriety," Ideal Option's addiction medicine provider Martha Bankhead, PA-C said. "We are here, we're open, we're non-judgmental, we're low-barrier, basically my main job is to help and support you, anyway I can."
Peer Outreach Specialist Rebekah Cantrell says she believes increasing access to treatment is key to giving people the help they need when they are willing to receive it.
"A lot of times when you want to get into treatment, you're ready for treatment, it's not available that day," Cantrell said. "This disease- when we are feeling ready- we have to get in now. Not only to be able to spend those first few days with the patient, and help them get those supportive services, I'm that support with them, I humanize them, because oftentimes you're coming into treatment and you don't even feel like a human anymore because of how society has made you feel," Cantrell added.
Where she used to live out of a Jeep, she’s helping people in addiction
Everett Herald
Ideal Option's peer and community outreach specialist, April Provost, celebrated three years sober this year. Located in Western Washington, she spends her time between Snohomish, Skagit, and Whatcom county communities trying to help people recover from substance use disorder. April shares her inspiring personal journey to recovery, and more about Ideal Option and the peer outreach program.
Ideal Option Opens Low-Barrier Outpatient Addiction Medicine Clinic In Conway, Arkansas
OPEN MINDS
Outpatient addiction treatment provider organization Ideal Option opened a new clinic in Conway, Arkansas. The clinic provides evidence-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT) led by an onsite clinical professional. Treatment is available for addiction to methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, alcohol, and other substances.
All Time High
The Source Weekly
Overdose deaths exceeded 100,000 for the first time in United States history in 2021, driven largely by an estimated 71,238 deaths from fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 100 times more potent than morphine. Opioid overdoses accounted for 25 deaths per 100,000 people in 2021, up 15% from the year before.
"I'm seeing an uptick in the fentanyl market, of people who are just seeking fentanyl," said Josh Lair, community outreach coordinator at Ideal Option, a medical provider specializing in medication-assisted treatment. "For one, it's cheaper, and two, the high is way more extraordinary than just heroin. The problem is that the high is not as long, so it's having individuals seek the drug more often than heroin."
One recurring theme among people involved in substance abuse treatment is the need to destigmatize discussions about drug use, as it keeps people who may seek treatment underground. "You want property crimes to go down? Have people engaged in treatment. You want people to not have their children taken from them and put into the foster care system? Help them, encourage them to engage in treatment, that's how things start to change," Lair said.
IDEAL OPTION FEATURED: Kennewick business provides booze-free wine, beer and spirits
KAPP-KVEW
Chuck and Marlys Aspinwall of Kennewick, WA created Kindred Spirits - Alcohol-free drink alternatives. “During the pandemic we just found that we were drinking a little bit too much and for health reasons we decided, we’re done,” Marlys Aspinwall said.
Cheif Medical Officer at Ideal Option, Brian Dawson, said they’ve seen an increase in patients needing help with alcohol use disorder throughout the pandemic. “It’s been a much bigger problem now that patients have that sense of isolation and they often turn to alcohol abuse,” he said.
Dr. Dawson said it’s important to pay attention to how much you’re drinking. He said if alcohol starts to have wide-reaching effects on your life, it’s time to seek help. “You know, your social connections, your ability to work, your ability to function, maybe legal ramifications and things like that,” he explained.
Ideal Option addiction treatment center opens Rio Rancho location
Rio Rancho Observer
Ideal Option, an outpatient medication-assisted treatment program for substance use disorder, just opened it's fourth clinic in New Mexico. Ideal Option's Cheif Medical Officer, Dr. Brian Dawson, said Ideal Option saw a big increase in people using fentanyl in the form of pressed pills and counterfeit pills, as well as meth, in Rio Rancho.
“(Fentanyl) seems to be the primary opioid that’s now flooding the markets in Rio Rancho and throughout New Mexico,” Dawson said. “It’s often times much easier to transport, but it’s much more deadly. So, it’s creating a lot more problems.”
“Essentially, we go where there seems to be a need… Some (states) seem to be lacking some of those extensive resources, so we tend to go to states that we know there’s enough of a population in need,” Dawson said, adding Medicaid patients are prioritized.
Rep. McMorris Rodgers hosts fentanyl roundtable
Washington Examiner
Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers held a roundtable to discuss the threat of fentanyl trafficking in the region. She said fentanyl seizures in Spokane County had increased 1,100% in recent years. She also noted that fentanyl distribution and overdose rates in Spokane County were high enough that the DEA had recently launched Operation Engage. The initiative will use a comprehensive community approach to wage a war against fentanyl.
McMorris Rodgers was told by several people at the roundtable that education played a key role in turning the situation around. However, without removing the stigma tied to conversations about drug use and deaths, it would be difficult to get schools, churches and community organizations to engage their spheres of influence.
Tim Kilgallon, CEO of Ideal Option, said accountability played a big role in recovery from addiction. He said behavioral changes often came about when people had lost everything and were ready to get better. When they arrive at that point, he said the community needed to have the resources to support their efforts, something that McMorris could help obtain.
Even with Telehealth as New Normal, Many Behavioral Health Providers Keep Pursuing De Novo Growth
Behavioral Health Business
Telehealth has swiftly taken over many aspects of outpatient visits in the behavioral health industry in the past few years. For that reason, it may seem surprising that many behavioral health providers are continuing to build de novo centers for in-person care.
Patient connection seems to be driving de novo growth in Ideal Option's outpatient medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorder clinics. The company sees telehealth usage as supplementary but it has become a “staple and part of our business now since the onset of the pandemic", Ideal Option's CEO Tim Kilgallon said.
Telehealth is good for handling overflow visits or accommodating the unique needs of specific patients. Patients that are in long-term recovery also benefit from telehealth use.
“[Telehealth is] really not a replacement for in-clinic treatment,” Kilgallon said. “I thought this would really accelerate a migration away from in-clinic towards telemedicine for our business. But it didn’t do that. It didn’t do that at all. What we saw is that when we relied too much on it, people relapsed.”
Ideal Option’s experience is that patients prefer to get care via in-person visits when they are in the earlier stages of recovery, Kilgallon said, adding that the sense of support and community needed to facilitate recovery can’t be replicated via telehealth. He also cited an accountability element. When it comes to medication-assisted therapies, he said that people who have seen their lives and health degraded by addiction need more from providers than just a prescription.
Finding Hope: Medication-based addiction treatment center helps Idahoans in recovery
Idaho News 6
Ideal Option's provider Penny Buckland, FNP, peer outreach specialist Jenna Dodele, and patients Miles and Brian discuss addiction, recovery, and the importance of easy access to treatment. While there are many kinds of addiction treatment, Ideal Option is one of the few places using medication to reach recovery. Buckland said the medication-based care is helping her patients achieve sobriety.
"People are able to stabilize and able to go about their lives. They're able to work, hold down a job, take care of their families, go to school," Buckland said. "(They can) do all those normal kinds of things that people do without their addiction running their lives."
Jenna Dodele recovered from her addiction through the clinic. Now stabilized, Dodele helps patients find their path to sobriety.
"People think that recovery is a straight line, that it's linear. It's not," she said. "It has a cycle to it. To understand that process, and to be non-punitive with that process — because it is a process, is one of the kindest things that you can offer someone."
Federal and local law enforcement agencies working to take down drug trafficking related to rise in opioid deaths
5 News
Ideal Option's Arkansas community outreach coordinator Aaron Bunch discusses the rise of fentanyl in new patients and the stigma surrounding addiction, after the DEA warns that fentanyl overdoses are increasing.
"We're seeing a 106% increase in fentanyl positive rate when they come in as a new patient, this is exploding," Bunch said.
"It's the stigma that prevents people from seeking treatment," Bunch added.
Ideal Option data shows effectiveness of specialized treatment for fentanyl, meth use
Bonners Ferry Herald
Ideal Option has released its 2021 Annual Report of outcomes for patients living in Idaho State. The report contains an aggregated view of patients’ geographic and demographic characteristics, their stage and duration of care, adherence to medication, and their substance use over time based on lab specimens regularly collected during 2021 from more than 660 patients.
Ideal Option clinic tackles Bonneville County opioid crisis
KID Newsradio
Ideal Option hosted an open house at their Idaho Falls clinic. Community members could meet the staff, learn what Ideal Option does, and discuss local efforts to tackle the worsening opioid crisis.
Ideal Option data shows effectiveness of specialized treatment for fentanyl, meth use
Coeur d'Alene Press
Ideal Option has released its 2021 Annual Report of outcomes for patients living in Idaho State. The report contains an aggregated view of patients’ geographic and demographic characteristics, their stage and duration of care, adherence to medication, and their substance use over time based on lab specimens regularly collected during 2021 from more than 660 patients.
Ideal Option clinic tackles Bonneville County opioid crisis
Local News 8
Ideal Option hosted an open house at their Idaho Falls clinic. Community members could meet the staff, learn what Ideal Option does, and discuss local efforts to tackle the worsening opioid crisis.
Ideal Option data shows effectiveness of specialized treatment for fentanyl, meth use
Bonner County Dailey Bee
Ideal Option has released its 2021 Annual Report of outcomes for patients living in Idaho State. The report contains an aggregated view of patients’ geographic and demographic characteristics, their stage and duration of care, adherence to medication, and their substance use over time based on lab specimens regularly collected during 2021 from more than 660 patients.
Ideal Option Featured: Kennewick Police respond to ‘hero’ 8-year-old who called 9-11 for dad
KAPP-KVEW
Ideal Option's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brian Dawson discussed the increase and inpact of addiction-related overdoses in Tri Cities, WA after a child found their father unresponsive from an overdose.
“We’re actually seeing an increase in overdoses in the Tri-Cities. About 50 percent of our patients are presenting at Ideal Option with Fentanyl in their system,” Dawson said.
"Addiction has a lasting impact on several family members particularly hits the children the most. They’re relying on their parents to give them guidance and when they’re suffering from addiction it can be destructive for the family, so it’s really important that families know they have the ability to seek out treatment,” he added.
Addiction Treatment Clinic Opens in Glasgow
The Glasgow Courier
Ideal Option's provider Victoria Collier, NP and community outreach coordinator Kimberly Hill discuss the launch of our new Glasgow clinic and the importance of easy access to specialized treatment during a time of increasing overdose deaths in Montana.
New addiction treatment clinic in Glasglow brings new hope for Montana drug crisis
Montana Right Now
Ideal Option's provider Victoria Collier, NP and patient Rita Espinoza discuss the opening of Ideal Option's new clinic in Glasgow, MT and positive impact that medication-assisted treatment has on individuals suffering from substance use disorder in rural communities.
Addiction and overdose death impact on Northwest Arkansas and River Valley
KNWA Fox 24
Ideal Option's provider Andy Miller, ARNP and patient Jim Northcutt, discuss the recent spike in fentanyl overdoses in Northwest Arkansas and the positive impact that medication-assisted treatment has on individuals suffering from substance use disorder.
Local treatment center teaching the community about opioid crisis
KEZI 9 News
Ideal Option invited the community to their Eugene, OR clinic for an open house where individuals could meet staff, learn what they do, and discuss local efforts to tackle the worsening opioid crisis.
“There is still such a huge stigma around addiction, and there is an even bigger stigma around people desiring to get help. What we want people to know is that Ideal Option is here, we're open and we want to help. We want people to know that we're a low barrier medical assistant treatment program and that all they have to do is pick up the phone or they can even walk in,” Ideal Option's Community Outreach Coordinator, Josh Lair, said.
2 new addiction centers opening in North Idaho
KXLY News
An outpatient medication-assisted treatment program, Ideal Option, is opening new clinics in Sandpoint and Kellogg. It received the state’s “response to the opioid crisis” grant and saw the biggest need to help in the panhandle. The new clinics are inside the Panhandle Health District Buildings so treatment is more visible and accessible.
Dr. Rick Mattis is one of the doctors who’s helping people find freedom from addiction at Ideal Option. He says the new clinics couldn’t come at a better time as more people struggle with drugs if they’re lonely or isolated during the holidays. “You have to come to them where they are right now, and opening the two clinics will make us much closer to being able to do that,” said Mattis.
Addiction Treatment Program Begins
The Source Weekly
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with Ideal Option to roll out a new program: Operation Guardian Angel. The program is aimed at diverting more people who possess illicit substances for personal use into recovery and away from the criminal justice system by inviting individuals to voluntarily surrender their illicit substances and paraphernalia for safe disposal – no questions asked – and transfer over to Ideal Option to get started with outpatient treatment.
"This is just an opportunity for people to minimize the stigma behind drug addiction, and to capture the community as a whole coming together and to make access to services, access to treatment, that much easier," said Josh Lair, communication coordinator for Ideal Option. "It also helps eliminate that us-against-them mentality and barrier by law enforcement by saying, 'Hey, we're not here to judge you. We're not here to condemn you. We're not here to punish you. If you want help, we want to help get you that help.'"
Grant funds new drug treatment clinics
Bonner County Daily Bee
Ideal Option has opened two new addiction treatment clinics within the Panhandle Health District offices in Kellogg and Sandpoint thanks to a state-funded grant. Kellogg and Sandpoint were selected to receive the clinics based on conversations with numerous organizations in the area which identified the two communities and needing addiction treatment resources. Ideal Option offers outpatient medication-assisted treatment to help individuals suffering from substance use disorder.
Two new addiction treatment programs open in Kellogg and Sandpoint
KHQ
Ideal Option has opened two new addiction treatment clinics within the Panhandle Health District offices in Kellogg and Sandpoint thanks to a state-funded grant. Ideal Option offers outpatient medication-assisted treatment to help individuals suffering from substance use disorder.
Two addiction treatment programs open to new patients in North Idaho
The Spoksman-Review
Thanks to a state-funded grant, two new addiction treatment clinics for people are now open in North Idaho, one in Sandpoint and one in Kellogg.
Ideal Option, a provider with addiction treatment clinics in other parts of Idaho including Coeur d’Alene, received an award through the Idaho’s Response to the Opioid Crisis program to open the clinics within the Panhandle Health District offices in Kellogg and Sandpoint. Ideal Option offers medication-assisted treatment, an evidence-based option for people struggling with opioid addiction, as well as treatment options for people addicted to alcohol and other stimulants like methamphetamine or cocaine.
“Getting people the help they need in treatment and recovery is a top priority in our response to the increase of substance use in our community,” Kelsey Orlando, a program manager at Panhandle Health District, said in a news release. “Partnering with Ideal Option to have treatment services available in two of the counties we serve is exciting to meet the needs of our region.”
Grant funds new Kellogg, Sandpoint drug treatment clinics
Coeur d'Alene Press
Recent funding through the State of Idaho’s “Idaho’s Response to the Opioid Crisis” award provided some extra resources to help fight substance use are now available in Sandpoint and Kellogg. Ideal Option received just over $200,000 to kickstart hybrid satellite clinics in both cities. These clinics will be run in collaboration with the Panhandle Health District at their already established offices in Sandpoint and Kellogg.
“Our biggest thing is that we want to provide low-barrier treatment options for individuals struggling with substance abuse disorder and really being a safe, non-judgement(al) place for them as they work through recovery,” Ideal Option program evaluator and epidemiologist Katie Olson said.
Grant funds new Kellogg, Sandpoint drug treatment clinics
Shoshone News Press
Recent funding through the State of Idaho’s “Idaho’s Response to the Opioid Crisis” award provided some extra resources to help fight substance use are now available in Sandpoint and Kellogg.
Ideal Option received just over $200,000 to kickstart hybrid satellite clinics in both cities. These clinics will be run in collaboration with the Panhandle Health District at their already established offices in Sandpoint and Kellogg.
“We are grateful to have been chosen to receive the IROC award funded by the State Opioid Response Grant to expand our coverage in Northern Idaho and get the residents of Shoshone and Bonner Counties the help they need,” Ideal Option Program Evaluator and Epidemiologist Katie Olson said. “Co-locating with the Panhandle Health District is a huge opportunity for us to make addiction treatment more visible and accessible.”
Ideal Option opens an addiction treatment clinic in Idaho Falls
Darik News
According to the Idaho Drug Enforcement Administration, 1,900 Idaho residents have died from overdose deaths in the first year of the pandemic, compared to 264 deaths in 2019. Governor Little attributes the drug overdose jump to an abundance of cheap methamphetamine supplies and fentanyl.
With the increase in substance use and overdose levels during the pandemic, the opening of Ideal Option comes at a time of great need. Ideal Option, a national leader in evidence-based treatment for addiction to fentanyl, methamphetamine, alcohol and other substances, is already welcoming new patients to Idaho Falls.
Idaho Falls drug overdose deaths more than double previous years
Post Register
Idaho Falls is following the nation-wide trend of increased drug-related overdose deaths. According to the Idaho Falls Police Department, officers were dispatched to 51 opioid overdose-related emergencies between Jan. 1 and Nov. 30. Eleven of those emergencies resulted in an overdose death.
One organization working to help prevent drug overdoses in the Idaho Falls area is Ideal Option, a national leader in evidence-based treatment for addiction to fentanyl, methamphetamine, alcohol and other substances. Ideal Option cited the Idaho State Police in a Monday news release, who seized about 20,000 fentanyl pills in 2020. In 2019, ISP seized 195 pills and so far this year, nearly 28,000 pills have been seized.
“Among our Idaho patients, 42% tested positive for fentanyl at enrollment in September 2021 — a 242% increase over September 2020,” said Tim Kilgallon, CEO of Ideal Option, in the release. “Our providers are ready and equipped to manage patients dependent on fentanyl. Ideal Option has developed clinical protocols designed specifically to assist patients through the difficult transition phase from fentanyl to buprenorphine.”
Deschutes SO, partner launch ‘Operation Guardian Angel,’ a medication-aided treatment program
KTVZ News
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with Ideal Option to roll out a new program. Operation Guardian Angel is aimed at diverting more people who possess illicit substances for personal use into recovery and away from the criminal justice system.
A kick-off event will take place Dec. 10, 11:00 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Ideal Option clinic in Bend, located at 404 NE Penn Ave. Individuals are invited to voluntarily surrender their illicit substances and paraphernalia for safe disposal – no questions asked – and transfer over to Ideal Option to get started with outpatient treatment.
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Launches Operation Guardian Angel
Cascade Business News
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with Ideal Option, a national leader in outpatient medication-assisted treatment for addiction, to roll out their new program: Operation Guardian Angel. The program is aimed at diverting more people who possess illicit substances for personal use into recovery.
In November 2020, Oregon voted in favor of Measure 110, the Drug Addiction Treatment & Recovery Act. While the full effect of Measure 110 has yet to be realized, the data so far is underwhelming. A five-month study by the Oregon Department of Justice showed that out of 1,085 citations issued for drug possession since the Measure was enacted into law last February, only three assessment/screening verifications were received and 400 people failed to appear for their court date.
Operation Guardian Angel, modeled after successful programs in other states, is designed to empower those in the community who are struggling with the disease of addiction to come forward without fear of legal repercussions and begin their recovery with medication-assisted treatment.
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office launches 'Operation Guardian Angel'
The Redmond Spokesman
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with Ideal Optionto roll out its new program, Operation Guardian Angel. Operation Guardian Angel is designed to empower those in the community who are struggling with the disease of addiction to come forward without fear of legal repercussions and begin their recovery with medication-assisted treatment. Individuals are invited to voluntarily surrender their illicit substances and paraphernalia for safe disposal and transfer immediately to Ideal Option to be enrolled in their evidence-based outpatient treatment program.
Fentanyl dealers could now face murder charges in King County
KING5
Jesse and Kierra Fisher need a few moments to count all of the friends they've lost this past year due to a drug overdose. As they look back, they can see one common theme: fentanyl. The couple is in treatment at Ideal Option and getting their life back on track. Regaining custody of their six children is making life feel whole again. "If somebody would have told me I would be doing anything like this a year ago I would have told you guys all you're crazy," said Kierra.
Fentanyl is surging through communities across the U.S. because it's cheap, easy to sell and takes the place of heroin and prescription drugs for someone looking to get a quick high. In 2021, 418 people died of a fatal drug overdose in Washington state as of September, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And 46% were due to fentanyl. Now, King County prosecutors are launching a new effort to try and disincentivize the sale of fentanyl by going after the drug dealers themselves and charging them with murder.
In-Store Pharmacy Addiction Treatment
KTUU
An addiction treatment program, Ideal Option, opened it's first Carrs-Safeway location in Alaska (third in the United States) to offer medication-assisted treatment and education inside Carrs' Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to reduce stigma and misinformation around substance abuse, as well as expand access to evidence-based addiction treatment.
Ideal Option Treatment Clinic Opens Inside Carrs-Safeway Anchorage
Our Community Now
Ideal Option, a national leader in evidence-based medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorder, and Carrs-Safeway, one of the largest grocery retail chains in Alaska, have teamed up to make recovery from addiction easier to sustain.
Ideal Option Treatment Clinic Opens Inside Carrs-Safeway Anchorage
Alaska Business
The Anchorage Carrs-Safeway is the third location to open an Ideal Option clinic inside its Wellness Center this year. This collaboration is a ground-breaking initiative that signifies an enormous step toward reducing stigma and the mainstreaming of addiction treatment.
“Carrs-Safeway is dedicated to supporting Anchorage area residents with all the resources they need to stay healthy and safe,” says David Green, Director of Pharmacy Operations at Safeway. “Through this collaboration with Ideal Option, we are able to offer patients a safe, friendly and convenient place to check in with their treatment provider and stay on the path to long term recovery.”
Ground-Breaking Addiction Treatment Center Aims To Battle Seattle’s Opioid Epidemic
Opioid News and Talk
A groundbreaking new treatment center at a Safeway grocery store in Renton is making it easier for people with addiction problems to get the help they need. While it might seem out of place to have an addiction treatment center alongside egg and bread sourcing, Ideal Option said that was the point. Ideal Option's mission is to normalize addiction treatments and break down barriers for those seeking help, with data showing a growing need.
“Individuals struggling with addiction are often judged in their communities. And based on that judgment and their fear of healthcare facilities, they will avoid treatment and not receive treatment, ”said Benjamin Rae, director of provider relations at Ideal Option.
New treatment center inside Safeway store getting people the help they need
King5
Ideal Option's groundbreaking new treatment clinic inside a Renton, WA Safeway store is hoping to destigmatize seeking help for addiction.
"Individuals struggling with addiction often times are judged in their communities, and based on that judgment and their fear of healthcare settings, will avoid and not seek treatment. We are hoping that we can be a helping hand," Benjamin Rae, Ideal Option's senior director of provider relations said.
Burien police seize over 40,000 fentanyl-laced tablets during arrest
Q13 Fox News
Fentanyl is on the rise in King County and health officials state that supportive help is crucial. Ideal Option's senior director of provider relations Benjamin Rae discusses the importance of access to treatment during this time.
King County seeing record number of fentanyl deaths this year
Q13 Fox Seattle
Ideal Option's senior director of provider relations Benjamin Rae, and one of their patients Shane O'brien discuss addiction and recovery, and the recent spike in fentanyl overdoses in King County.
Community forum in Las Cruces to focus on addiction, fentanyl
Las Cruces Sun News
Ideal Option is teaming up with Peak Behavioral Health to host an open house and community forum on International Overdose Awareness Day to remember those that have lost their lives to addiction and discuss fentanyl, a new driver behind the opioid crisis in New Mexico.
The event will kick off with an open house where attendees can enjoy refreshments and learn more about the services provided by Ideal Option, Peak Behavioral Health, the Las Cruces Fire Department, New Mexico Department of Health, Doña Ana County Health and Human Services, the Unified Prevention (UP!) Coalition and ALT Recovery. Soon after, Las Cruces City Councilor Kasandra Gandara will give an official proclamation, talk about the opioid crisis in Las Cruces and introduce speakers. The community forum will be followed by a live Q&A and networking session.
Ideal Option deepens footprint in Washington state
Behavioral Health Business
Ideal Option opened it's newest facility in Marysville, WA. The clinic will treat patients for addiction to fentanyl, heroin, alcohol, and other substances. It accepts most forms of insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid.
Fentanyl overdoses soaring as trends change
Snohomish County Tribune
Fentanyl is a main factor behind the increase in opioid overdoses in Snohomish County. Fentanyl is being synthesized and pressed into counterfeit oxycodone pills that mimic the real thing. People are also smoking it, and are seeking it out by name, from what Ideal Option's provider Bryan Blythe, PA-C has observed.
“75 percent of my new patients are fentanyl patients, and in jail (where he administers treatment), it’s 75 percent there," Blythe estimates. "And they’re specifically saying Fentanyl” is what they sought out as their drug of choice.
Drug overdoses soar in Central Oregon, nation
The Bulletin
The combination of a pandemic, rise in fentanyl, and lack of access to addiction treatment is what likely lead to Oregon seeing a nearly 70% increase in overdose deaths dyring April and May of 2020, compared to the same time in 2019
Joshua Geer, a patient with Ideal Option, said the program has helped him stay clean. “They’re like my friends,” Geer said. “They’re helping me stay clean. I’ve seen so many people overdose. I always carry (naloxone). It’s super scary. One time, you can use, and it’s OK, but it’s not the next."
Ideal Option Opens Addiction Treatment Inside Safeway Grocery Store Wellness Center Space In Vancouver, Washington
Open Minds
Ideal Option, a national medication-assisted treatment provider organization, partnered with Safeway, a large grocery retailer, to provide addiction treatment services inside a Safeway wellness center in Vancouver, Washington. Safeway is the first national retailer to complement its in-store pharmacy services with addiction treatment.
“Our partnership with Ideal Option represents Safeway’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of every community in which we operate,” said Stephen Certo, director of pharmacy for Oregon and Southern Washington at Safeway. “This is a natural extension of the robust wellness offerings found throughout our stores. We’re excited to offer our customers access to medication-assisted treatment and welcome all those who need help with open arms.”
Behavioral Health Provider Ideal Option’s Partnership with Safeway: Reflections on an Entire Industry
The Braff Group
With the added stressors brought on by the pandemic, the demand for substance abuse treatment is enormous – and growing. A partnership between Safeway grocery store and Ideal Option, a medication-assisted treatment program for individuals suffering from substance use disorder, is arguably the next step in the progression of the addiction medicine industry.
WA: Ideal Option, Safeway Partner to Bring MAT Clinic Inside Grocery Store
Overdose Prevention Strategies
Ideal Option's newest clinic inside of a Safeway grocery store in Vancouver, Washington is part of Ideal Option’s broader effort to destigmatize addiction treatment. This partnership is believed to be the first that puts an addicion medicine provider in a national retailer’s in-store pharmacy.
Ideal Option Opens Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment Clinic In Puyallup, Washington
Open Minds
Ideal Option, an evidence-based addiction treatment clinic, has opened a clinic in Puyallup, Washington – it's first clinic in Pierce County. State data indicates that about 78% of Medicaid beneficiaries in Pierce County who have opioid use disorder are not receiving treatment.
“We have seen more than 500 hundred patients in our south King County locations who have traveled from the Puyallup area, and that number is only going to increase as the pandemic winds down,” Ideal Option's CEO Tim Kilgallon stated. “Opening a location in Puyallup will make it much easier for our patients who live in Pierce County to stay in recovery and help many more patients start their recovery journey.”
Safeway, Ideal Option team to break addiction stigma
KOIN 6
With overdose deaths increasing in Washington State over the past year, Ideal Option's new clinic inside the Safeway Wellness Center strives to reach more people needing addiction treatement. By having addiction treatment accessible in a grocery store, it removes barriers and breaks down stigma, and makes getting help visible and accessible during everyday errands.
“People have a certain stereotype in mind when they think of a drug addict, but what they don’t realize is they’re sitting next to them in the boardroom. It’s not just that homeless person on the street,” Ideal Option's provider Susan Mitchell said. “This is where I think this partnership will help, by people that are coming and going who look just like your cousin, your sister. We have families who come here.”
Ideal Option, Safeway Partner to Bring MAT Clinic Inside Grocery Store
Behavioral Healthcare Executive
Ideal Option has partnered with Safeway to provide medication-assisted treatment services inside the wellness center at a Safeway store in Vancouver, Washington. The partnership is believed to be the first that puts an addiction medicine provider in a national retailer’s in-store pharmacy.
“We have so much respect for Safeway’s courage and vision for making treatment for substance use disorder as broadly available as any other medical service. It’s past time for society to accept substance use disorder as a chronic condition, just like diabetes, and refrain from judging those who are afflicted with it. In welcoming Ideal Option into their stores, Safeway is helping to shape the future of recovery from this disorder and in doing so, will save countless lives,” Ideal Option CEO Tim Kilgallon said.
The clinic inside the Safeway grocery store is part of Ideal Option’s broader effort to destigmatize addiction treatment. “It will take a while to change that perception among patients and others in the community, but we want to be part of that movement toward making this an accepted thing that people can deal with without feeling ashamed,” Sharen Ross, Ideal Option's VP of Marketing and Community Development said.
‘The Wave of the Future’: Ideal Option, Safeway Partner to Open In-Store MAT Clinic
Behavioral Health Business
Ideal Option has opened their newest Washington clinic in the Wellness Ceter of a Vancouver Safeway. Ideal Option decided to co-locate the clinic at the store after noticing that many of its patients were having issues getting to pharmacies to pick up their prescriptions. By partnering with a grocery store to house a MAT clinic at its pharmacy, patients can begin their medication regimen immediately, with injections from pharmacists done onsite.
“We really liked the idea of co-locating with a pharmacy so that patients could essentially see their provider and pick up their prescription within an hour, in the same place, under the same roof,” Sharen Ross, Ideal Option’s VP of Marketing and Community Development said
“Hospitals have pharmacies inside of them for a reason,” Skyler Glatt, Ideal Option’s director of Business development said. “That’s probably the closest that this model would come to, which is the connection between providers, pharmacies and hospitals. I would say that this is probably the wave of the future.”
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Arkansas sees increase in opioid-related deaths
KNWA Fox 24
As opioid-related deaths continue to rise across Arkansas, access to treatment is crucial to get opioid addiction under control. "Once people have established opioid use disorder, once it becomes established, it behaves like a lot of chronic recurring medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, COPD," Ideal Option provider Dr. James Meserow said.
New addiction clinic in Vancouver grocery store tries to break down treatment barriers
KATU
Ideal Option has partnered with Safeway to open a clinic for patients battling substance use disorder inside the store's Wellness Center in Vancouver, WA. This partnership makes Safeway the first national retailer to partner their in-store pharmacy services with an addiction medicine provider. The partnership is "A bold progressive move that reflects both a decrease in the stima traditionally surrounding addiction, and the urgency to counter the surge in substance use during the pandemic," Ideal Option staff said.
The partnership allows patients their medication, right after their appointment, right next door. Ideal Option's provider Lindsey Barnett, ARNP, adds that time is critical with someone is reaching out for help. "When they want help, they need help then. Right then. That's when we need to help them. This allows us to do everything all right then and get them started before something else happens, or something deters them, or something comes in their life and they can't make it to the next appointment or the pharmacy and get their medication," she said.
Ideal Option patient, Tyran Schelling, agrees. "It's a huge benefit. It's almost like and death for some people that are just starting off," he said.
New clinic aimed at helping opioid addiction in River Valley
5NEWS
Ideal Option opened a new location in Fort Smith, as overdose related death rates continue to increase in the area. "In Sebastian County, we had an overdose death increase by 220% from 2019 to 2020," said Dan Goulette, Ideal Option's Regional Provider in Arkansas. Dan adds that since opening the Ideal Option in Fort Smith, they have welcomed 350 new patients to the clinic. "Our goal is to assess the patient holistically, initiate medication to manage the opioid use disorder, and set the patient up for successful long-term recovery," he said.
Ideal Option opens new SUD treatment center
Behavioral Health Business
Ideal Option's new location opens in Puyallup as overdose death rates in Pierce County have been higher than the rest of the state. Over three-quarters of Pierce County residents who are on Medicaid are not getting the opioid use disorder treatment they need.
New clinic opens in Puyallup aimed at helping opioid addiction
Q13 Fox Seattle
Individuals struggling with opioid addiction in Pierce County now have new resources for assistance. Ideal Option, a medication-assistance treatment center specializing in the treatment of opioids, alcohol, and methamphetamine announces the opening of their new outpatient clinic in Puyallup's underserved community.
Managing addiction recovery over the holidays, during a pandemic
KGW8
This time of year is especially hard, said Dr. Brian Dawson, Ideal Option's senior medical director, in an interview with KGW news. "Particularly around the holidays, stress, COVID and the isolation that people are feeling is causing a lot of problems for people," he said. Dr. Dawson adds that it's crucial to stay connected. Whether it's volunteering, being with friends or reaching out for help, the connection is key.
Ideal Option patient, Joshua Geer, said he's found that advice works for him. "I had to go to meetings, on top of going to the clinic, and I had to build a group of sober friends to help me," he said.
Coronavirus holidays create unique challenges for those in recovery
KBOO
The coronavirus pandemic has created a challenging holiday season this year, and it's doubly so for those with substance use disorder. KBOO's Annette Newell talks to Ideal Option's addiction medicine provider, Daniel Goulette, PA-C about why the holiday season is more challenging for those fighting relapse. Newell also speaks with an Ideal Option patient about what this time of year means, and the advice they offer to individuals maintaining their sobriety this holiday season.
Hope for the holidays: Tips on staying in recovery
KOIN 6
The coronavirus pandemic has made the battle even tougher for those recovering from addiction. As we look forward to a new year, Ideal Option is helping keep patients on the right track. Ideal Option's Dr. Brian Dawson offers tips on staying in recovery and handling stress during the holidays, how to get back on track if you slip up, and when to seek professional help.
Hillsboro Ideal Option offers help during the holidays
Hillsboro Tribune
Hillsboro NewsTimes talked to Ideal Option's addiction medicine provider, Daniel Goulette, PA-C, to discuss ways to manage stress, family dynamics, and the impacts of COVID-19 for those in recovery during the holiday season.
"Journaling is really powerful," Goulette said. "It can help process anxiety and work through some of the complex emotions surrounding that particular cue or trigger. I also recommend reaching out to recovery support. Sometimes in periods of struggle, the instinct is to kind of fold in on yourself, but it's important to reach out to those who support your recovery. That can be a sponsor or a counselor."
Helpful holiday tips to keep your recovery on track
KATU 2 Vancouver
KATU 2 ABC News interviewed Ideal Option patient Jaelyn Phillips and addiction medicine provider Lindsey Huckett on ways to navigate the holiday season while in recovery from substance use disorder.
“We always see relapses during the holidays, but it’s much worse because of isolation and the rules and regulations that we need to follow to stay safe," Ideal Option's addiction medicine provider, Lindsey Huckett, ARNP, FNP-C told KATU News.
Kittitas County jail to begin new medication-assisted treatment program
KIMA TV
The Kittitas County jail will be starting a brand new program to medically treat addicted inmates after receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal money. Kittitas County has announced it's receiving $600,000 in federal funds to help treat inmates addicted to drugs.
"One of the things that we're doing is you're taking a person who's on opioids which will often cause death if you don't treat them in jail. You're now treating them with lifesaving medication," says Dr. Jeff Allgaier, the co-founder of Ideal Option, a center that provides medication-assisted treatment. He says of the partnership between Ideal Option and the Benton County Jail has seen tremendous results, "I can tell you that the recidivism rates have plummeted."
Patients detail recovery from addiction during Congressman Trone visit
The Frederick News-Post
In a small office space in a business park on Thomas Johnson Drive in Frederick, nearly half a dozen women gathered in a small circle with Rep. David Trone (D-Md.) and some staff members. The women were all patients at Ideal Option, a treatment clinic in Frederick that helps those recovering from addiction through medical-assisted treatment. One of them, a 57-year-old from Thurmont, started coming to the clinic once every three weeks in January. Read More
Opioid recovery sessions find new success being online
Snohomish County Tribune
Every weekday morning, the camera goes live, and Geoff Godfrey is ready to greet a crowd of people. The viewers are at various places on the path to exiting opioid addiction. It’s a video visit through Facebook called “Recovery Gone Viral.” The core audience is people in programs run by the medical group Ideal Option. Godfrey is one of its addiction professionals. By all accounts, going online is working far beyond what the team dreamed. It’s made isolating at home feel less lonely. Read More
Ideal Option to join San Juan County Partnership to help combat opioid epidemic in New Mexico
KSJE 90.9FM
When opening clinics to serve communities, it’s essential to partner with organizations already doing the work in those communities. In this interview with KSJE 90.9FM in Farmington, New Mexico, Amanda Evans with the San Juan County Partnership discusses how Ideal Option reached out to their Opioid Misuse and Prevention meeting for collaboration. Soon to open in Farmington, Ideal Option plans to partner with San Juan County Partnership and other organizations to facilitate warm handoff referrals and help those struggling with opiate use disorder in the Four Corners region. Watch More
Opioid treatment firm opens in Pocatello, Boise and online
Idaho Business Review
Individuals struggling with opioid addiction in Idaho have new resources for assistance. Ideal Option, a company specializing in the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder, announced the opening of two new outpatient clinics in Boise and Pocatello as well as the launch of a virtual clinic on April 14. Read More
Substance use disorder treatment can now be offered through virtual appointments
KIDK TV
Social isolation, increased anxiety and struggles with substance abuse may be another rising epidemic in our neighborhoods. Dr. Richard Mattis, at the substance use disorder clinic 'Ideal option,' tells us the underlying issues."Can't get them to see their doctor because their doctor's office isn't open. You know lost their job. Can't get refills on medications. So COVID-19 has created kind of a train wreck nightmare across the nation, for a lot of our patients." Watch More
Silent battle: People recovering from addiction facing new challenges in quarantine
ABC FOX Montana
While the best thing for many people is to stay inside and limit contact with other people, for those recovering from a substance use disorder, those conditions can lead to a relapse. At Ideal Option, an addiction treatment center, sessions are now being done through a computer screen. Addiction medicine provider Sheri Bagley says she's seen some of her patients start to spiral in the wake of COVID. Watch More
Ideal Option opens virtual clinic for opioid use disorder
Minot Daily News
Ideal Option, a national leader in evidence-based treatment for addiction to opioids, alcohol and other substances, has launched a “Virtual Clinic” for new and existing patients to get addiction treatment via video chat from home or a location of their choice. Read More
More North Dakota coverage of Ideal Option's Virtual Clinic
Virtual clinic for opioid use disorder opens amid COVID-19 pandemic. Thousands of North Dakota residents vulnerable to relapse and overdose can now access medication-assisted treatment without leaving home. READ MORE
Thousands of North Dakota residents vulnerable to relapse and overdose can now access medication-assisted treatment without leaving home. READ MORE
Demand continues to grow for national addiction treatment center
What started as a small clinic grew into a veritable campus and epicenter for a national chain of treatment clinics that currently serve thousands of patients. Dr. Jeff Allgaier and Dr. Ken Egli opened the first Ideal Option in Kennewick in 2012 after recognizing the overwhelming need for long-term treatment options for patients with substance addictions. Now with 65 clinics in 8 states, demand continues to grow. Read More
New clinic opens in Salem to treat opioid addiction
A new choice to get help has opened up in Salem as more options emerge to give those struggling with opioid addiction a way out of the vicious cycle. Staff at Ideal Option said people who need help can come in and be seen as soon as possible. This help is desperately needed, as statistics show that Oregon has the fourth-highest addiction rate of all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Yet, Oregon ranks 50th in access to treatment. Read More
Opioid treatment in King County jails can reduce crime and suffering
Seattle Times
In Benton and Snohomish counties, comprehensive Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs are helping every opiate-using inmate entering their jails. The programs are deployed in partnership with Washington state-based treatment provider Ideal Option. Looking at this model with an eye toward King County, several opportunities emerge at little cost to the taxpayer, whether at the King County Correctional Facility downtown, its West Wing Shelter or the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. Read More
How a small county jail runs a large-scale addiction program for inmates
KOMO 4 News
Benton County Jail has implemented a medication-assisted treatment program for inmates addicted to opioids. Partnering with Ideal Option, the program includes Ideal Option doctors and medical staff inside the jail. They counsel inmates, as well as prescribe, and learn about the issues they face. Once inmates are released from jail, they continue treatment at Ideal Option. Read More
Road to Recovery North Dakota: Her drug dealers were her doctors
KXNet
“By the grace of God, Ideal Option opened in Bismarck February 21st of 2018, and I was their very first patient at 8:30 in the morning…and the doctors were amazing. They treated me like a human being,” said Ideal Option Patient Pamela Emmil. Read More
More coverage of North Dakota's Road to Recovery
Road to Recovery: Getting help without getting high. Read More
Benton County Jail keeping treatment program despite shakeup
KEPR
It's been eight months since the Benton County Jail started a program to help inmates overcome their opioid addiction, and experts say they're impressed. Despite recent changes in leadership, the Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program helping inmates get off opioids and into treatment while behind bars will continue. Read More
Residents work on getting clean with medication
Walla Walla Union Bulletin
People recovering from addiction — regardless of drug-use history — said getting clean has become easier with various treatments now available in Walla Walla. One such treatment option is Kennewick-based Ideal Option. Read More
New center aims to curb opioid addiction in Prince George's County
The Diamondback
The new Ideal Option clinic in College Park focuses on providing medication that — when used correctly — can limit a patient’s opiate withdrawal symptoms and cravings and lessen the effects of opioid molecules in the brain. Read More
Snohomish County Jail’s radical opioid plan
KUOW
Jails have two major barriers to offering the treatment. They don’t have enough prescribing doctors. To fill that gap, the jail has partnered with Ideal Option, a treatment provider that works with participants inside and outside the jail. Read More
More coverage about Ideal Option's partnership with Snohomish County Jail
New substance abuse treatment clinic praised by Frederick officials
The Frederick News Post
The Frederick police chief and several other public officials applauded the newest avenue for people struggling with substance abuse to get help during the opening of a substance abuse treatment clinic in the city Thursday. Read More
Everett mayor hopes new opioid treatment center will address overcrowding in jails
KOMO News
Ideal Option's Everett treatment center, fitted with a medical lab and a behavioral health unit, will treat nearly 150 addicts per day. Ideal Option said they currently have 5,757 active patients, with 1,053 patients in Snohomish County. Read More
More coverage of our Everett clinic and community forum
What does Oklahoma’s landmark ruling against drugmaker mean for Washington state?
Q13 Fox
People fighting addiction and those helping them told Q13 News that the ruling out of Oklahoma is encouraging. Q13 News sat down with Sherie Hurst White, who comes into Ideal Option every 3 weeks now to hold herself accountable. Read More
Overdose snapshot gives eye-opening look at addiction crisis
Everett Herald
During one week in July, 27 people overdosed on opioids in Snohomish County. Two died. The statistical snapshot, released for the third straight year, shows how the local chemical dependency crisis continues to morph. Read More
Fighting opioid addiction: Clark County has another ‘Ideal Option’
The Reflector
Vancouver officials and representatives of a regional health nonprofit gathered in the city’s downtown to celebrate the opening of a new medication-assisted treatment clinic, highlighting efforts to provide options for those in Clark County looking to beat their addiction. Read More
Vancouver mayor welcomes new outpatient clinic aimed at tackling opioid crisis
KATU
The new downtown clinic is perfectly placed. Access to treatment is one of the biggest hurdles for an addict. Ideal Option will also be able to serve the houseless population, who often lack transportation. They also work to connect addicts in treatment to housing and job training services. Read More
More coverage of our Vancouver clinic
The Columbian: Ideal Option opens downtown clinic in Vancouver. Read More
Opioid treatment center offers open house
Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Kennewick-based Ideal Option has been providing services in Walla Walla since 2017. The Main Street spot is part of its network of nearly 65 office-based opioid treatment clinics across eight states. Read More
Opioid addiction clinic opens in Aberdeen
The Daily World
Ideal Option's new clinic in Aberdeen is the first ever to offer patient-friendly evening hours. The clinic has no wait lists and accepts all forms of insurance, including Medicaid. No member of the Grays Harbor community who needs treatment for addiction will be turned away. Read More
Experimental jail program gets national attention, saves local lives
KEPR
The numbers behind America’s opioid crisis are daunting, with addiction destroying millions of lives in the last decade alone. An experimental program happening in the Tri-Cities is making waves nationally, turning the tide, and saving lives with the help of Ideal Option. Read More
Drug abuse often leads to crime. Here is Benton County sheriff’s plan to break that cycle
Tri-City Herald
In February, Kennewick-based Ideal Option started providing a medication-assisted treatment program in the jail, which combines medicine to curb withdrawal symptoms along with counseling. Read More
Four organizations receive $2 million grant to fight opioid crisis
KEPR
Ideal Option in Pasco, Kadlec Regional Medical Center and the Benton and Franklin County Sheriff's office received the money from the Washington Health Care Authority. Read More
More coverage about the opioid crisis grant
Tri-City Herald: Tri-Cities is getting $2 million to fight opioid addiction. Here’s why it’s unusual. Read More
Bellingham clinic fighting opioid addiction with new treatment
MyNorthwest
A clinic in Bellingham is using an approach to treat opioid addiction in a way that’s showing very promising results. It’s called medication-assisted treatment, and it’s being used at Ideal Option Clinic, which Whatcom county officials consider as part of their fight against addiction. Read More
Island County opioid outreach among most successful
The Everett Herald
Just after the second anniversary of its launch, the Island County Opioid Outreach program boasts one of the best rates of getting people into treatment in the region. Read More
How the jail became one of the county’s biggest detox clinics
The Everett Herald
In January, the jail Snohomish County Jail launched one of the first programs in the state to offer detainees access to medication to ease withdrawals. It was one of five recently highlighted in a National Sheriffs’ Association report on jail-based medication-assisted treatment, also known as MAT. Read More
Attend an Event
You're Invited
Coming to an Ideal Option open house or new patient information session is a great way to learn more about opioid use disorder, medication-assisted treatment, and the evidence-based services we provide. Our events are open to everyone in the local community. If you're a new patient who is thinking about starting medication-assisted treatment, please join us at an event or stop by the clinic any time to learn more about what to expect.