One of four health centers in Vermont to receive Affordable Care Act Funding
Gifford Health Care is one of four Vermont health centers to receive Affordable Care Act funding to treat substance abuse. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders announced the $325,000 Department of Health and Human Services award last Friday. The Randolph, Vermont based organization will use the funds to expand its substance abuse services, especially those for people addicted to opioids.
“We are thrilled to have this opportunity to expand services for alcohol and drug dependence and misuse in our community,” said Gifford’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Martin Johns. “These funds will allow us to increase patient access and also to collaborate with other community organizations to provide seamless, all-encompassing treatment for those seeking help.”
Gifford will be collaborating with the Clara Martin Center to support a SBIRT (screening, brief intervention, referral to treatment) model of care. Johns said the award will primarily fund additional personnel for the program (a primary care provider with training in substance abuse treatment, a social worker, and supporting staff).
Nationwide $94 million in Affordable Care Act funding was awarded to 271 health centers in 45 states to help address an escalating heroin epidemic. Other Vermont organizations that received funding were the Community Health Centers of Burlington ($243,815), Community Health Centers of the Rutland Region ($325,000), and Northern Counties Health Care, St. Johnsbury ($346,979).
