Affordable Care Act Grants Baltimore Medical System $406,250 to Expand Treatment Services

In an effort to reduce the high rate of substance use in Baltimore, Baltimore Medical System – the largest federally qualified health center in Maryland – has expanded its Substance Use Disorder program. The health center is encouraging patients who are suffering from substance use disorder to take action and call Baltimore Medical System at 410-558-4900 for confidential, compassionate and holistic care. Patients can be treated at Baltimore Medical System’s Highlandtown center by appointment or by walking in for immediate assistance.

The Substance Use Disorder program treats patients through medication-assisted treatments (such as buprenorphine or “Suboxone®”); one-on-one, group and family counseling; and primary care services to treat other illnesses and diseases (such as diabetes, high blood pressure and mental illnesses). All patients are paired with a Baltimore Medical System primary care doctor, which allows for comprehensive and coordinated delivery of care, under one roof.

All substance use disorder patients are given 24-hour access to medical help through a team, which includes several doctors, counselors and community health workers.

“Enhancing our Substance Use Disorder program has been a major goal for us because the opioid epidemic is so prevalent here in Baltimore. Statistics show that in 2014, more than 300 people in Baltimore City and 170 in Baltimore County died due to drug and alcohol intoxication,” said Shirley Sutton, President and CEO of Baltimore Medical System. “This is critical work that we’re doing here to protect the health of our city, and we’re thankful for the funding to expand our existing program to serve more patients and make an even bigger impact in the community.”

The expansion of the treatment program was made possible by a $406,250 federal grant for treating prescription opioid and heroin addictions, announced earlier this year. The grant is part of $94 million in Affordable Care Act funding that was distributed to 271 health centers in 45 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. The funding is expected to support an additional 124,000 patients across the United States.

For more information about Baltimore Medical System’s Substance Use Disorder program or to schedule an appointment, call 410-558-4900.

About Baltimore Medical System

Baltimore Medical System is the largest federally qualified health center (FQHC) in Maryland. Dedicated to improving the health, wellness and quality of life of medically underserved communities in the Baltimore area, Baltimore Medical System provides safe, high quality, accessible and affordable healthcare through its five community health centers, four pharmacies, seven school-based health centers and multiple community outreach programs. As a community-based, independent non-profit 501(c)(3), Baltimore Medical System provides services for primary care, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and behavioral health. For more information, please visit www.bmsi.org and follow Baltimore Medical System on Facebook.