St. Joseph's adapting addiction treatment for pandemic

By Andy Gardner

MASSENA. St. Joseph’s is adapting their adolescent substance abuse rehab services at Rose Hill in Massena to the coronavirus pandemic.

St. Joseph’s says their senior staff meet daily to review the latest news from county, state and federal health officials.

They have undertaken a “significant restructuring of programming to ensure social distancing in all areas of our residents’ schedules,” according to a statement from St. Joseph’s CEO Bob Ross. They also use personal protective equipment, and all program areas are sanitized extensively, Ross said.

St. Joe’s is using telehealth and phone to help clients stay connected, and to check on their well-being. At their Massena Outpatient Clinic, Ross said, a counselor assisted a client who was experiencing a mental health crisis and wanting to end her life. The counselor intervened, and the client is doing and receiving regular contacts, according to Ross. St. Joe’s also delivers food, toilet paper and other necessities to clients in need.

“We utilize the technology of Zoom video conferencing to maintain a wide variety of engagement, both for treatment and for our residents to stay connected with their families. Importantly, we are encouraging those in recovery to stay connected via video Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and other support groups.

The adolescent treatment program, Rose Hill, makes use of SMART Recovery, which provides assistance to individuals seeking abstinence, via Zoom. SMART Recovery is an online secular alternative to faith-based addiction support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.

Programming continues with veteran residents as well and through a partnership with Pendragon Theatre, “the very social-enhancing and therapeutic art form of improvisation,” Ross said.

The agency has not laid off or furloughed any staff, a payroll of 264 locals, Ross said.

“We are also ensuring that residents leaving have a safe place to go, as individuals suddenly out of a therapeutic environment are susceptible to relapse. If we learn departing residents do not have a stable environment to which to return, we have been successful in having residents remain in treatment with additional insurance coverage,” Ross said.

St. Joe’s medical director, Dr. Hector Biaggi, who is board certified in psychiatry and addiction medicine, has increased his availability in person and through telehealth for residents who need additional mental health support. The agency also created a new Spiritual Health Department, which provides support for residents and staff, Ross said.

“We are also appreciative of the extraordinary outpouring of support from our friends and neighbors. One group, Community Makers, has made well over 200 protective masks for staff and residents,” Ross said. “I share these measures with readers to both praise the skill of St. Joseph’s staff in this time, but more importantly, to share the life-saving message that St. Joseph’s is here for all in need of addiction treatment.”