REACH Project, Inc.
- Project Title: Reach Medical
- Program Representative Interviewed: Samantha Stevenson, Director of Operations and Vailarie Eubanks, Communications Coordinator
- Location: 1001 West Seneca St, Ithaca, NY 14850
- Contact: (607) 273-7000, Facebook, Instagram
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Program Overview: The REACH Project, Inc. is a nonprofit organization with the
belief that all individuals deserve respectful, equitable access to compassionate healthcare in a
setting where they will not be stigmatized or judged based on drug use, homelessness, or any
other issue that may cause less than adequate care in today's healthcare environment.
The REACH Project, Inc. provides medication-assisted treatment (MAT), in addition to a large range of other services, to thousands of patients across 36 counties in New York. Other services include primary care services; HIV management, treatment, and testing; hepatitis testing, treatment, and immunization; and naloxone training. REACH Medical is certified by New York State's Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) and implements a patient-centered approach to care designed to address each patient's unique needs. Community health workers and program staff connect patients with the resources they need to live a healthy life, including linkage to housing coordinators and food access.
REACH Medical follows evidence-based practices and offers optional behavioral health services to patients, rather than mandatory counseling. The program does not discharge patients from the program, and patients are not required to wean off medication. REACH has achieved an 88% retention of patients participating in the MAT program and has decreased emergency department visits locally.
The program's OASAS certification increased their reimbursement rates from insurance companies and has allowed for a sustainable program model for the future. Through telemedicine, the program has been able to reduce barriers to accessing care and also reach new patients.