Community Medical Services Wednesday celebrated five years treating Buckeye residents suffering from substance abuse disorders with an open house.
“We’re just celebrating that we’ve been here five years and we’re still counting,” said Clinic Manager Michelle Garcia. “People need the help but struggle getting it, so we want to get the word out that we’re here and we’re going to continue to give the help they need.”
The clinic opened in 2020 on the southwest corner of Monroe Avenue and 3rd Street and has managed to provide medication-assisted treatment for people addicted to opiates, like fentanyl, heroin or codeine. This helps the withdrawal process by reducing cravings and making the opiate less addictive during treatment.
The clinic also provides access to toiletries and other supplies, peer support and group and individual counseling.
That’s where Substance Abuse Counselor Erick Pritchett steps in. While he’s still fairly new to the job — he moved from being a behavioral health case manager to a counselor just a few months earlier — Pritchett has found the role rewarding.
“There’s a lot to learn, but I like it. I really enjoy engaging with people and just to be a small part in their recovery is rewarding,” he said. “I like doing it.”
Watching clients grow into completely different people is “very amazing,” said Community Impact Specialist Dulce Labrada.
“I’ve seen clients keep a job, get a house, build a business just from being sober,” Labrada said. "It’s great to see them do better for themselves and how much they don’t want to go back to using drugs, because they lost it all before.”
Community Medical Services is open weekdays from 4:30 to 11:30 a.m., and weekends from 6 to 9 a.m. For more information on treatment services, visit their website.
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Way to go Buckeye team …