NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst's Methadone Treatment Program Recognized for Excellent Care
Nov 22, 2016
NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst’s Methadone Treatment Program has achieved the Gold Seal of Approval® for Behavioral Health Care Accreditation from The Joint Commission. The accreditation covers a three-year period, signifying excellence as a provider of clinical care, and demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards.
“We are very honored to have received this recognition from The Joint Commission for our work in treating patients struggling with substance use disorder,” said Israel Rocha, Jr., Chief Executive Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst. “Our clinicians and mental health professionals are deeply committed to helping our patients live healthier and safer lives, free from the grip of opioid addiction.”
The hospital’s Methadone Treatment Program is an adult outpatient program, treating about 290 patients annually. Many of the patients receive vocational counseling and services, such as evaluation of work skills and capacities, identification of vocational goals and needs, and referrals to schools and training programs. To address the unique needs of the ethnically and linguistically diverse communities served by the hospital, the program’s staff are fluent in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Greek, and Hindi.
“NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst’s Methadone Treatment Program offers personalized, confidential, compassionate, and comprehensive treatment for individuals and families to help with recovery from opioid addiction,” said Dr. Usha Tandon, Associate Medical Director of Elmhurst’s Chemical Dependency Program. “We provide individual, family, vocational, and educational counseling, along with medical and psychiatric services. Through participation in our program and interaction with staff and peers, participants learn that opioid addiction is treatable and within their power to achieve and maintain abstinence and improve their daily lives.”
The Joint Commission, an internationally recognized health care organization, conducted a rigorous onsite survey of the hospital. During the review, compliance with behavioral health care standards was evaluated related to several areas, including care, treatment, and services; environment of care; leadership; and screening procedures for the early detection of imminent harm. Onsite observations and interviews were also conducted.
The program also seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of accidental drug overdose through its Opioid Overdose Prevention Program, which educates patients and family members about opioid addiction and how to help someone in the event of an opioid overdose. For more information on Elmhurst’s Methadone Treatment Program, please call 718 334-3190.