MAT program at Gaiser Center promises higher addiction recovery rates
Remembering loved ones lost to addiction and those who share their stories after surviving it can be helpful to anyone who might be heading down a similar path.
Wednesday, Aug. 31, is International Overdose Awareness Day, which caps off National Overdose Awareness month, and the Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center in Butler is bringing attention to this through new programs, including one at the Butler County Prison.
“It first serves as a remembrance for those that unfortunately have passed due to overdoses,” said Joe Mahoney, Gaiser Center executive director. “We are trying to reduce the stigma and have our families in the community that have been affected by overdose loss feel more comfortable speaking about it and remembering their loved ones and joining together to do that.”
Starting Thursday, the Gaiser Center will be conducting education groups at Butler County Prison as well as Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services.
“These groups are going to center on life skills, healthy living and give them the skills they need to reacclimate to society,” Mahoney said. “We estimate we will be running two groups every week — two for men, two for women — so actually four groups total.”
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