VA Substance Abuse Program celebrates move and ribbon cutting ……………..

By | July 16, 2019

Released by the Veterans Administration

 

LAKE CITY, FL.  On Tuesday, July 9, 2019 the Substance Abuse residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (SARRTP) hosted a Ribbon Cutting at the Lake City Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center. 

 

Approximately 55 guests of community dignitaries, VA leaders and staff attended the special event which is overseen by program coordinator Michael Keith, Advanced Practical Registered Nurse (APRN).

 

SARRTP treats Veterans with uncontrolled use of addictive substances and maladaptive behavior patterns that may be complicated by psychosocial deficits such as unemployment, homelessness, and lack of social support for recovery.  The residential environment utilizes a recovery-oriented self-help model, encouraging residents to actively participate in their own treatment to foster personal growth and accountability.

 

The program officially migrated to the Lake City VAMC on June 3, 2019 after 9 years of shuttling the Veterans from their residence in at the Lake City VAMC to the treatment team to the Malcom Randall VAMC (where the program originated). 

 

Residents of SARRTP are now housed and receive their treatment services in one city, and in one facility!  They report great satisfaction in gaining an additional two hours daily to devote to recovery activities and to rest.  SARRTP currently serves 16 residents and will soon expand to 18 beds.

 

The SARRTP served by a multidisciplinary team of physician, psychologists, social workers, nurses, occupational therapist, peer specialist, pharmacist, recreation therapist, vocational rehab specialist, and other ancillary professional staff.