September 5, 2018—PCC has become aware of an increase in opioid overdoses due to the striking increase in patients presenting to West Suburban Medical Center for opioid reversals. PCC encourages people struggling with opioid use to enter treatment. Treatment is readily available at PCC’s Chemical Dependency Clinic.

The clinic treats patients within the PCC Walk-In Wellness Center, located within West Suburban Medical Center at 3 Erie Court, Suite 1300, in Oak Park. It is available to anyone with an addiction to opioids such as heroin and prescription opiates, including those who go to the emergency room for an overdose.

“Patients who come to West Suburban Medical Center after an overdose have been interested in treatment, and many schedule appointments for treatment with PCC prior to emergency room discharge,” says Anneka Johnson, a PCC Care Coordinator who works in the hospital’s emergency department.

PCC’s Chemical Dependency Clinic offers Medication-Assisted Treatment (treatment using medication) with Suboxone and Vivitrol to help decrease heroin and other opioid use. Treatment is given by certified physicians and nurse practitioners who have completed additional training to prescribe these medications. The clinic has a board certified addiction specialist on staff to treat patients and provide PCC’s medical providers with expertise and guidance. In addition, the clinic also offers treatment for pregnant women with the use of buprenorphine, in combination with prenatal care and counseling.

After the initial induction to the Chemical Dependency Clinic at PCC’s walk-in center, all patients can receive ongoing treatment, primary care, pediatric care, and behavioral health care at their local PCC health center.

PCC accepts many health plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, and offers a sliding fee program for uninsured patients. PCC is a Department of Human Services/Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR) licensed facility for outpatient substance abuse treatment. Visit www.pccwellness.org to learn more about PCC. For more information about PCC’s Chemical Dependency Program, or to schedule an appointment, please call (708) 406-3929 ext. 5030.