Cumberland Heights is opening the doors to its latest Intensive Outpatient (IOP) treatment facility in Chattanooga, thus expanding its reach to include parts of eastern Tennessee and surrounding states. The nationally recognized alcohol and drug treatment center anticipates that Cumberland Heights Chattanooga, which begins assessing patients for its Adult Program morning sessions on August 19, will impact a 50-mile radius around the city, including parts of Alabama and Georgia.
“By opening our new outpatient addiction center, we hope to offer more quality and affordable care for the people in the growing and vibrant city of Chattanooga," said Jim Moore, Cumberland Heights CEO.
"Cumberland Heights has already expanded our outreach from Middle Tennessee to West Tennessee, and Chattanooga is the next logical step.
The 3,000-square-foot facility features three group rooms that will accommodate activities and therapy sessions for 20 patients and their families simultaneously. The well respected Adult Program will be comprised of four weekly sessions beginning with daytime hours from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and soon expanding to include evening hours from 6 to 9 p.m. Cumberland Heights Chattanooga officials also plan to offer youth programs in the future.
While there are already a number of respected treatment options in Chattanooga, Cumberland Heights leadership saw a need for more care alternatives in the region. According to Tennessee Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control, in 2011, 1,069 people died of prescription drug overdoses in Tennessee, and unintentional drug overdose is now the leading cause of death in the state, exceeding death rates for motor vehicle crashes, homicides and suicides. Furthermore, in 2010, there were 11,717 people admitted for drug and alcohol treatment.
"There's a clear need for expanded services throughout the state, and our approach is different than some other local institutions," said Dr. Chapman Sledge, chief medical officer at Cumberland Heights. "Our Intensive Outpatient programs provide a stronger focus on family inclusion in the rehabilitation process, and we find that to be critical to all phases of recovery."
In addition, patients from Chattanooga who are ready to leave residential treatment at Cumberland Heights Nashville can now easily access continued IOP care from their trusted provider.
"Over the years, we have built a large patient and alumni base in Chattanooga, and we are hopeful that having a local resource will help them maintain their commitment to rehabilitation," explained Moore.
As an added benefit, the staff at Cumberland Heights Chattanooga can assess and pre-certify local patients, which helps eliminate extended waiting periods and gets patients into treatment faster.
"Shorter waiting periods can help prevent relapse or a change of heart about the need for treatment," said Sledge. "Taking care of some of the assessments and insurance paperwork in Chattanooga will make the process for patients from the area faster and more efficient."
Cumberland Heights Chattanooga IOP is located at Executive Hills Professional Center, 6650 East Brainerd Road, Suite 102, 308-0689. Cumberland Heights also offers rehabilitation services in Nashville, Jackson, Murfreesboro, Hermitage and Smyrna.