Kolmac Integrated Behavioral Health Centers Reopen With COVID-19 Precautions
Burtonsville, MD (June 16, 2020) –Kolmac Integrated Behavioral Health Centers, a leading intensive outpatient program (IOP) provider offering addiction treatment in Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland and Pennsylvania, has begun reopening facilities for individual services as stay-at-home restrictions begin to lift.
Kolmac made the decision to reopen with certain restrictions after surveying patients and staff members about their desire to return to onsite outpatient services or continue operating under an entirely virtual online model, which Kolmac rolled out in March to provide continuity of care for patients under quarantine. To keep patients, staff, and the community safe, Kolmac has modified certain policies and procedures, and new requirements at treatment facilities were introduced in adherence with applicable health and safety guidelines and state and local laws.
“Our priority is the safety of our patients and staff,” said Jennifer Dorsey, chief clinical officer and vice president of operations. “It was important to us to take the time to listen to our community and understand the diverse range of perspectives on the topic of reopening – and interesting to learn that while virtual services have and will continue to be of interest, many people missed being onsite at our facilities. From there, we developed new guidelines that allow us to offer the best of both worlds, treating patients in-office and continuing to offer virtual services, while protecting our patients, staff and community.”
While Kolmac has seen success with transitioning to virtual models of individualized care amid stay-at-home orders, restrictions meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have created some roadblocks for patients who might prefer in-person treatment.
As Kolmac reopens treatment centers, they are committed to doing so as responsibly and safely as possible. Modified policies and procedures include:
- Conducting temperature screenings for all staff and patients
- Requiring face coverings for staff and patients
- Taking steps to allow for social distancing of six feet or more, including limiting the number of staff and patients in the office, waiting room, and treatment rooms
- Increasing cleaning and sanitization
- Altering hours of operation
In addition to reopening facilities, Kolmac recently added new facilities in Arlington, VA and Lanham, MD, despite the coronavirus outbreak affecting many essential businesses throughout the country. Greg Franklin is the program manager at the Lanham, MD center. Elaine Altmire is the regional director at the Arlington, VA center. In the first few weeks, Greg Franklin, Elaine Altmire and their staff saw eleven patients in a virtual setting. They look forward to opening for in-person individual services.
“I’m glad we are able to provide quality addiction recovery services in the community where I have lived most of my life,” says Greg Franklin. Elaine Altmire echoed that sentiment, saying, “We are excited to provide services to the Northern Virginia community, and look forward to further connecting with our neighboring providers.”
To accommodate patients and families who continue to practice social distancing, Kolmac will continue to provide virtual treatment services in all locations for those who find this option safer and more convenient.
For more information about Kolmac Integrated Behavioral Health Centers reopening treatment centers and virtual outpatient treatment, please visit www.kolmac.com or call (888) 456-8785 and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
About Kolmac:
Kolmac Integrated Behavioral Health Centers is a network of intensive outpatient (IOP) addiction treatment centers in Virginia, Washington D.C., Maryland and Pennsylvania. Utilizing a treatment method that was developed by George Kolodner, M.D., more than 50 years ago, the Kolmac model provides easier access to treatment, greater program flexibility and dramatically lower costs, while offering the same effectiveness as traditional inpatient programs. Kolmac Integrated Behavioral Health Centers is among the first outpatient recovery providers in the U.S. to offer safe and effective virtual treatments, including detoxification, rehabilitation and continuing care. Kolmac also offers treatment for co-occurring psychiatric disorders, as well as education and resources for family members and referring professionals.
Media Contact:
Brownstein Group on behalf of Kolmac Integrated Behavioral Health Centers
Kara Scheideler
kscheideler@brownsteingroup.com