The service will help stabilize those suffering from acute intoxication so they may transition to an addiction treatment program.
Updated April 23, 2024
Unity Center for Behavioral Health is expanding its psychiatric emergency services department to provide emergency substance use disorder services starting this summer. Construction began in December for the new service, which will serve those suffering from acute intoxication and provide drop-off access to emergency responders and police.
In 2019, the sobering center run by Central City Concern closed, leaving a critical gap in services. The center’s care model was based on alcohol detoxification, which while still needed, is not currently as urgent in our community as methamphetamine and fentanyl withdrawal management and care. The center closed in part due to safety concerns.
Since that time, police have taken people to local emergency departments for care. Community hospitals have stepped in to fill a care gap for those suffering with substance use disorders.
This gap can in part be addressed through the new Emergency Substance Use Disorder Center at Unity Center’s psychiatric emergency services department. The hospital—a 24-hour behavioral health hospital located in central Portland—provides immediate psychiatric care and a path to stabilization and recovery for those in crisis.
More than 50% of the patients Unity Center serves in its psychiatric emergency services department are suffering from a substance use disorder.
“This new center will provide nine beds, and while we realize this is only a drop in the bucket, we are honored to be a life-saving resource for those in need,” says Lydia Bartholow, Associate Medical Director for Emergency Substance Use Disorder Services. “As we continue to see the demand for substance use treatment sharply rise in our community, Unity Center is uniquely qualified to care for individuals experiencing acute intoxication. We anticipate caring for more than 800 patients in the first year, alone.”
The new center will provide 24/7:
- Emergency responder and police drop-off access
- Walk-in services
- Emergency mental health stabilization
- Withdrawal management
- American Society of Addiction Medicine level of care assessments
- Recovery-focused care coordination and referrals
- Harm reduction education and supplies
- Peer support
- Referrals for follow-up care within the community for treatment services
Unity Center’s staff has extensive experience in trauma-informed care, verbal de-escalation and recovery-focused treatment planning. The new center will provide easily accessible and safe care to assist patients suffering from mental health and substance-related crises.
Patients will be able to stay for up to five days and will receive assistance with:
- Access to medical care and public insurance resources when appropriate.
- Resources needed to achieve personal goals related to substance use and recovery.
- Referrals and connection to community resources reflecting their need and desire for services.
In addition, Unity Center will partner with the Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon for its peer support services.
In late 2022, CareOregon and Health Share committed to funding the nine beds at Unity Center—$4 million for capital construction from Health Share, plus $3.5 million a year to cover ongoing operations from CareOregon. In spring of 2023, the City of Portland and Multnomah County committed additional funds of $335,000 each to close an unexpected gap in construction funding.
– Elizabeth Baker, elbaker@lhs.org