Medication-Assisted Treatment For Opioid Use Disorder

January 5, 2021 – Article by Jim Harrington, MSU Extension, and Dr. Laurence Yung, DO, MBA, Chief Medical Officer of East Jordan Family Health Center

People can recover from opioid dependence or misuse with treatment, counseling and support.

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a significant public health issue in almost all communities in Michigan. It affects many people, including individuals, families, emergency responders and those within the health care system. Opioid overdoses continue to be a preventable cause of death across all age ranges. OUD from prescription opioids often starts with treatment of a medical issue such as surgery, an accident, dental procedures, chronic pain, or an injury. In those who may be susceptible, opioid use may lead to dependence and/or misuse.

Please click here to read the article in its entirety: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/medication-assisted-treatment-for-opioid-use-disorder

To learn more about opioid use disorder and what you can do to support prevention, treatment, and recovery in your community, please visit MSU Extension’s MiSUPER website.

COVID-19 Policy Addendum 1

COVID-19 policy Addendum 1

Date: April 27, 2020

POLICY:

Harbor Hall is committed to mitigating the advancement of COVID-19 in any way that is within our control.  The CDC guidelines of social distancing and the Governor of Michigan Executive Orders has required Harbor Hall to take actions to isolate at risk, and our most vulnerable populations as best we can.  The purpose of this policy is to set forth standards of practice and strategies that will enable Harbor Hall to protect our residents, staff and the community as we begin to slowly reestablish operations.

BACKGROUND: 

There has been many changes that have occurred with the COVID-19 issues and the response to it on an almost daily basis.  Harbor Hall has developed and activated a COVID-19 Mitigation Response Plan.  We have complied with all of the orders of the State of Michigan in order to do our part to mitigate the problem.  We have worked in conjunction with the Northern Michigan Regional Entity, Mid-State Health Network, Northwest Michigan Public Health Department and the Recovery Centers of Michigan to address a variety issues.

The below policy is to establish procedures as Harbor Hall begins to reopen at a reduced rate as normal operations resume.

General Building Security:

  1. All exterior doors will remain locked at all times.
  2. Door bells will be installed to alert staff of visitors.
  3. Admin areas will have plexiglass barriers to protect staff
  4. Entrance log will be maintained, logging in and out of all visitors that will include temperature
  5. Ensure adequate supply of PPE is available for visitors and staff
  6. Ensure adequate supply Hand sanitizer is available for all visitors and staff.
  7. Ensure adequate supply of CDC COVID-19 questionnaires at the main entrance

Access to buildings:

Residential: 

  1. All exterior doors will remain locked at all times.
  2. Entrance to the facility will be through the main entrance only for visitors located on the south side of the building.
    • Staff may enter through the “Staff Only entrance” on the North side of the building.
    • All staff are to report to have temperatures taken at the beginning of shift.
  3. Anyone entering the building must have their face covered.
  4. Staff will have donned appropriate PPE to greet visitors.
  5. All visitors/guests entering the facility must answer the CDC guideline questions.
  6. Hand sanitizer is to be used by all visitors/guests prior to entering the building.
  7. Temperature will be taken of all visitors/guests prior to entering the building.
    • Temperature of visitors will be logged in the visitor sign-in/out log
  8. The general rule is: only one visitor/guest is to be in the administration area at a time, social distancing is to be maintained.
    • During admission of a new resident that may be extended to include one escort who will follow the same procedure for access above.
  9. Maintain the social distancing guidelines in all areas of the building.

 

All Outpatient sites including OBOT:

 

  1. All exterior doors will remain locked at all times.
  2. Entrance to the facility will be through the main entrance only.
    • All staff are to report to have temperatures taken at the beginning of the shift.
  3. Anyone entering the building must have their face covered.
    • Each client WILL provide their own face mask and staff will have a face mask made available to them if needed.
    • If a client does not have a face mask upon arrival at the building, they will be refused face-to-face services.
    • If refused face-to-face services, the clients will be asked to call for a teletherapy appointment with their counselor.

It’s important that the clients are aware of these requirements in advance.

  1. Staff will have donned appropriate PPE to greet visitors.
  2. All visitors/guests entering the facility must answer the CDC guideline questions.
  3. Hand sanitizer is to be used by all visitors/guests prior to entering the building.
  4. Temperature will be taken of all visitors/guests prior to entering the building. Temperature of visitors will be logged in the visitor sign-in/out log
  5. The general rule is: visitors/guest are to maintain 6’ in the administration area and in group rooms.
  6. Maintain the social distancing guidelines in all areas of the building.

 

 

Screening:

Screening for appropriateness for services and placement at all sites and all services will be conducted over the phone or through Zoom as appropriate.

Admission/Intake Residential:

  1. Intake begins at screening, CDC approved questions asked in addition to the normal screen.
  2. Upon arrival, client and family will be screened again. This will now include Temp check for clients and family, sanitize, and isolate in front office until full check-in is complete.
  3. Once check-in is complete, client will be escorted to room which will be in 200 to 203. Those ten rooms will be sectioned off. The entire front area will be blocked from “cleared” client use. This area includes the music room, old stairs, and upper bathroom. Tape marking the floor in the upstairs and downstairs to denote limited areas.
  4. Isolated clients will be checked for symptoms twice daily.
  5. Isolated clients will wear a mask when outside of their room at all times.
  6. Isolated clients will collect their food at 12 and eat in their room
  7. Isolated clients will smoke either at separate times or off porch and away from other house members.
  8. Options for separate group schedule, otherwise clients will only attend Psychotherapy group and the one PM lecture.
  9. Isolated clients will remain in isolation for a minimum of 7 days or until cleared by the MD

 

Outpatient Services:

Drug Testing:

  1. Drug testing will commence as soon as possible once we are able to do so safely.
  2. Clients and staff will wear face masks during the drug testing procedure.
  3. Gloves may be worn by staff if deemed necessary.

Therapy/Counseling Sessions:

  1. When allowed to conduct face-to-face group therapy sessions, the group size may be limited depending on the Governor’s orders, social distancing practices and group room size.
    1. The group size is to be limited to 10 or less clients, clinical staff will break the large group number up into smaller sized groups to accommodate the Governor’s order at that time. This may require the facilitation of more group therapy sessions each week.
    2. OP Petoskey can also open up the upstairs main group rooms to one large room vice two smaller rooms. This will allow us to service more clients in a group setting while maintaining social distancing practices.
  2. For individual face-to-face therapy and assessment sessions, social distancing practices will be in effect along with the wearing of face masks for staff and clients alike.

OBOT/Primary Care:

  1. There is currently a back log of potential OBOT/Primary Care clients waiting for services.
    1. All of the precautions mentioned above will be in effect for the OBOT/Primary Care program.
    2. Continue with the standard screening process to see who qualifies and who does not qualify for the OBOT program.
    3. Clients will be brought in at an expected rate of 6 per day and will be intermingled with the current client caseload.
    4. Inductions will take place as scheduled but no later than 2 pm, Monday through Thursday.
    5. Existing clients will be seen up to 4 pm, Monday through Thursday.
    6. Clients will be scheduled on a first come-first served basis starting at 8:30 am and ending at 2 or 4 pm depending on whether the appointment is an induction or not.
    7. The schedule will be filled for all appointment slots for Monday before moving to Tuesday and so on. Appointments WILL NOT be scattered throughout the day/week but rather back-to-back each day.  We will do our best to accommodate a client’s desired appointment time and date but our schedule of the next available appointment time and date will prevail.
    8. Clients will be required to schedule their next appointment before they leave the OBOT office.
      1. Scheduling will be in the downstairs office to schedule those appointments.
      2. Appointments will be scheduled to include a 15 minute timeframe that is built into the appointment. In other words, if a client has a 2 pm appointment, they will be scheduled, and told to be at the appointment at 1:45 pm.
  • This extra 15 minutes will allow for check-in, drug testing, social distancing, etc. If a client is more than 15 minutes late for their scheduled appointment, they will be scheduled for the next available appointment which MAY NOT be that same day.

Telemedicine/Teletherapy:

Telemedicine/Teletherapy will continue for those as appropriate and as directed by the State of Michigan or Northern Michigan Regional Entity.

Personal Protective Equipment

Hello to All,
Harbor Hall is desperately looking for protective masks and latex gloves for our personnel that are providing direct client/patient services. I know there is a severe shortage of these items, any assistance is greatly appreciated. Please reply to this post of Call 231-347-5511 for Holly or Peter or call 231-347-9880 for Lee.

COVID-19

Our response to the mitigation of the COVID-19 virus Harbor Hall residential is taking the following precautions:
1. All future admissions will be pre-screened for any evidence of the virus.
2. Limiting admissions from several counties.
3. No AA/NA community meetings on our residential campus for 2 weeks.
4. No visitations at our residential facility for 2 weeks.
5. Limiting access to our residential facility for 2 weeks.
6. Educate staff and residents on the signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
7. Educate staff and residents on preventive measures.

If you have a fever, respiratory symptoms, cough, contact your health care provider, by phone (not in person) to find out what the next step is.

I apologize for any inconvenience but we need to do our part to protect our residents, staff and community.

Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation Grant

Harbor Hall is very pleased to announce receipt of a grant through the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation. The award is in the amount of $8,000.00 and is intended for sobriety and addiction support.  These dollars will help those individuals who are underfunded for addiction treatment services and also to provide gambling addiction treatment. Harbor Hall is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit that was established in 1974 as a substance abuse recovery facility and has been serving the community for 46 years.  Offices are located in Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet Counties.

camp daggett alumni weekend

Harbor Hall Alumni Weekend Success!

Article by Ken Van Every, BA, Resident Life & Continuing Care Coordinator

The first Harbor Hall Alumni Reunion was held on September 1, 2018 and what a way to begin National Recovery Month but at Camp Daggett located on the shores of beautiful Walloon Lake and some amazing Harbor Hall Alumnus.

Many alumni with their families came out to re-connect and share their stories of recovery, their strengths, hopes and dreams. As Mike F. from Boyne City said “It was great to see everyone at Camp Daggett!! It was even better to see all the smiles and joy on all the faces!! Hopefully see more people next year. Thank you, Harbor Hall, for showing me that the grass can be greener!! Love you all!!” And Matt K. from Harrison “Such a blessed day. Sorely needed, words can’t explain how great it was seeing everyone!! Thank you, Heavenly Father!! #Grateful”, and Edward S. from Jackson “I just want to take a minute and say thank you to each and every one that made it out this weekend!!! Let’s keep this going guys it was amazing and enjoyed every second!!” And Joshua C. from Traverse City “It was so amazing to see everyone. It was a joy and brought tears to my eyes to spend time with everyone and all of Harbor Hall staff. Thank you, Harbor Hall, for giving me the gift of life and love again. Love every single one of you. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. See you all next year.”

The day started with an open ceremony which first included members of The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians performing a cleansing with smoke ceremony and ceremonial drumming and singing. Dan Thompson Spiritual Director at the Hall delivering an invocation prayer, followed by Pat McGinn with opening remarks.

After the open remarks each alumnus came up to the stage to receive a Harbor Hall Alumni medallion, introduce themselves, where they were from and what they were grateful for. So, the opening ceremony was incredible and went as planned and I love it when a plan comes together.

The rest of the day was spent socializing, swimming, pontoon boat rides, games and dining on great food provided by Burnt Offerings from Petoskey.

In the evening a live Rockin Recovery concert was perform by Toby Jones from Harbor Springs. And finally, the evening ended with an open talk meeting around the campfire. A great time was had by all. Plans for next year’s reunion are already in the works.

A special thank you goes out to the Harbor Hall Foundation for providing support and Camp Daggett for providing the venue. Other contributors from the surrounding area were: Holiday Inn Express, Apple Tree Inn of Petoskey, Snippets of Time Photography, Reusch Jewelers, Sky’s the Limit Florist, Northern Michigan Artist Market, Grain Train, Charlevoix City Golf Course, Whippoorwill, Family Video, City Park Grill/Palette Bistro, Cutler’s, Great Lakes Gourmet, Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts, Morning Star Jewelry, Meyer ACE Hardware, Mighty Fine Pizza, Craig Ryan, David’s Place, County Emmet Celtic Shop, Roast and Toast, and McLean & Eakin Boksellers.

 

harbor hall healthy kitchen staff

Harbor Hall’s Healthy Kitchen!

Article By: Jan Barlow, RN

Harbor Hall provides healthy food options for residential clients in recovery.

Many of us have watched episodes of HELL’S KITCHEN where Gordon Ramsey oversees a group of chefs battling it out in the kitchen in a high pressure competition. They have nothing on our Harbor Hall Chef Todd Bradley and his Sous Chef Chris Hahn as they take on the challenge of cooking healthy and creative meals every day for our residential clients in recovery in Harbor Halls’  HEALTHY KITCHEN!

Building Healthy CommunitiesLast winter I heard that there was a “Building Healthy Communities” Grant Program focusing on local facilities using commercial kitchens to prepare meals “en masse” daily. I inquired about the grant and Harbor Hall was selected to participate in the program. Together Todd, Chris and I worked with Judi Marlin from the BHC program and we devised a plan. Our focus was on reviewing the existing menu and seeing where we could make changes to reduce sodium and sugar, increase fresh selections of fruits and veggies, promote healthy snacks and offer a variety of protein choices. Along with making some dietary changes, we found that we could use the grant money to purchase durable and quality commercial grade equipment to help us achieve our goals.

After developing our plan, we submitted our proposal and it was well received and approved. At the end of August we received a check for $2,500.00! Todd was able to order many items which will help us reach our goals. We have been so excited to receive and admire our newly acquired purchases.

Some of our purchases include:

  • A commercial juicer for processing fresh or frozen fruits for healthy smoothies.
  • Fruit and Vegetable Slicers and Wedgers.
  • 5 gallon water dispensers with infusers enabling us to add lemons, limes, cucumbers to our water encouraging our clients to increase their water intake.
  • Extreme 31/2 HP 64oz. Commercial Blender.
  • Carnival King Popcorn Cart. A healthy snacking option with seasoning and flavoring recipes that offer an alternative to butter and salt.
  • Misc. Assorted Food Storage Containers.

The importance of healthy eating and substance abuse recovery.

Healthy KitchenEach day our clients are learning about living in their recovery. As bodies and minds heal and come back into balance, we stress the importance of choosing wisely in all areas of our lives, including healthier food choices. This is an important piece to restoring health and vitality to their lives.

It is fun to watch guys taste hummus for the first time, or try a smoothie that may contain spinach, but disguised alongside a banana or frozen strawberries.

I think I will go fill my water bottle with some lemon infused water, or join the guys with some popcorn sprinkled with Parmesan cheese or dark chocolate and sea salt as we sit and talk about how good life can be when we live in recovery.

Here is to Healthy Kitchens!

alumni reunion national recovery month

Alumni Reunion Kicks off National Recovery Month

The first annual Harbor Hall Alumni Reunion will be held on September 1, 2018 at Camp Daggett on the beautiful shores of Walloon Lake.

Registration begins at 5 p.m. Friday evening. With a variety of events planned over the course of the weekend, alumni, friends and family will celebrate recovery while sharing their support and stories of healing and hope. Camp Daggett has graciously offered their facilities to help make this event a success.

“We have been a long-time partner with Camp Daggett and we are very grateful for their generosity for the use of the camp for this wonderful event.” Said Pat McGinn, Harbor Hall CEO. “I also want to thank the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians (LTBB). Harbor Hall has always worked closely with the LTBB and we are grateful for their support of our organization.” Continued McGinn. The LTBB will perform a drum ceremony during a smoke cleansing of the grounds at Camp Daggett.

Camp Daggett Ropes Course

CAMP DAGGETT ADVENTURE CENTER Recreation is a key component to the treatment program at Harbor Hall. We are fortunate to have such great community partners who help facilitate these opportunities in Northern Michigan. Additionally, the residents of Harbor Hall donate their time to many of these organizations, including Camp Daggett, as their community service.

Food truck vendor, Burnt Offerings, will be providing food for all with live music being performed by Toby Jones. Traditional camp activities will be available through the day, such as swimming or kayaking. The evening will be spent around the campfire, listening to several Harbor Hall alumni share their Experience, Strength and Hope through recovery.

“Harbor Hall has received so much from the surrounding communities and as always, we are eager in giving back.  Camp Daggett has given the alumni of Harbor Hall an opportunity for our first ever reunion, first of many we will have to celebrate recovery, sharing our experiences, strengths and hopes.  I just want to thank everyone who has contributed and volunteered to make this an event that will leave lasting memories, it will be incredible.” Ken Van Every, Continuing Care Coordinator.

An Event to Celebrate Recovery

The alumni reunion event coincides with the beginning of Recovery Month on September 1, a national observance sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The month-long observance raises awareness of mental and substance use disorders, celebrates individuals in long-term recovery, and acknowledges the work of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. The theme for Recovery Month 2018 is Join the Voices for Recovery: Invest in Health, Home, Purpose, and Community.

This year, the Recovery Month theme explores how integrated care, a strong community, sense of purpose, and leadership contributes to effective treatments that sustain the recovery of persons with mental and substance use disorders.

“We are thrilled that we are able to kick off Recovery Month with this very special event.  We want the community to know that treatment works and recovery from substance use disorders is real.  The voices of recovery need to be heard. Stay tuned for other events that promote recovery month in September.” notes McGinn.

For more information on this event, call Ken VanEvery at (231)347-5511.

Thank you to all who have helped make this reunion possible.

Harbor Hall wishes to acknowledge the following support from area businesses and organizations who have donated money, goods and services to support this reunion: Harbor Hall Foundation, Camp Daggett, Toby Jones Music, Snippets of Time Photography, Reusch Jewelers, Flowers From Sky’s the Limit, Northern Michigan Artist Market, Grain Train, Charlevoix City Golf Course, Whippoorwill, Family Video , City Park Grill/Palette Bistro, Cutler’s, Great Lakes Gourmet, Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts, Morning Star Jewelry, Meyer ACE Hardware, Mighty Fine Pizza, Craig Ryan, David’s Place, County Emmet Celtic Shop , Roast and Toast, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Hamilton Hair Salon.

Needs Pyramid

Motivation to Change

Addressing each individual’s needs to develop a life that is free from substance misuse.

Article by: Chief Executive Officer – Patrick McGinn – MS, MA, LLP, CAADC, CCS-M

Whenever I am talking about motivation to change, my first thought goes back to PSYC 101 and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Dr. Abraham Maslow first described this model in 1954. It is still, to this day, considered to be a masterpiece in any discussion about motivation and change. Because of the simplicity of the model in explaining motivation it is a useful tool to begin to understand why we do some of the things we do, and how they play a role in substance misuse.

Maslow proposed a five level hierarchy of needs as the basis of his theory on motivation. The hierarchy of needs begins with physiological need, then progresses in sequence through safety need, belonging need, esteem need and self-actualization need. According to this hierarchical structure, the lower-level need has to be largely satisfied and its impact on behavior diminished before the person transitions to the next level.

Physiological Needs.

This is described as the most basic of needs, satisfying for the relief of thirst, hunger, and physical drives.

Safety Needs.

The need to be free from harm or danger, to have a secure and predictable daily life.

Love or Belonging Needs.

Beyond the needs of survival are the desires for nurturing, acceptance, respect, and caring relationships.

Esteem Needs.

Mental/emotional well-being, built on the perception of oneself as worthy and recognized by others, to be appreciated.

Last but not least….

Self-Actualization Needs.

Defined as the individual ability to recognize and develop capabilities to realize one’s fullest potentials.

Creating an environment to foster the motivation to change.

At Harbor Hall we believe that by addressing the individual needs as described above, the individual is more motivated to develop a life that is free from substance misuse. Our professional staff go all-out to make the facility comfortable, clean, and safe.

Our clients are well-nourished, there is opportunity for exercise and all physical needs are examined and addressed. Once the physical and safety needs taken care of, the residents and staff can concentrate and focus on the harder issues of therapy. Residents are assigned to a primary group. The treatment milieu is highly structured 24/7 and the residents are in primary and big groups participating in all activities together. A very strong emphasis is placed on connection with one another and a sense of comradery and kinship is developed.

Together residents work on anger, communication, conflict resolution, and other topics that support the attainment of belonging and being a part of. As a natural result to this process, esteem builds, spiritual concepts develop and residents being to gain confidence in their own abilities to address life situations. By the time a resident is discharged from treatment and they have responded well to the treatment process, they will be well on their way to recognizing their own unique potential and at the beginning of making plans to be successful in their life.

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
– C.S. Lewis