The benefits available to members of OTPG:
As we continue to grow as a well-respected organization, we find it necessary to provide current and potential members of the Opioid Treatment Providers of Georgia with an overview of the status of the organization, highlights of accomplishments, and a list of benefits awarded to our membership. We realize that many of our members are not always able to arrange their schedules to attend the coalition meetings; therefore, it is especially important that these organizations are informed of our progress.
OTPG is a consortium of opioid treatment providers throughout the state
of Georgia who share the common interest of improving services for the
patients we serve. Over the past several years, we have made great stride
with the support of the Executive Board, general membership, the Georgia
Department of Human Resources Division of Addictive Diseases, and many
of our sponsors. Our organization has most recently gained world-wide
recognition by hosting the 2006 American Association for the Treatment
for Opioid Dependence (AATOD) conference. Over the past few years, OTPG
has received several contracts through Georgia State University. We are
currently receiving funds to study and implement HIV Early Intervention
Programs in every opioid treatment program in Georgia. Clinicians from
each facility received extensive training in the areas of counseling
and testing of program participants. Many programs are currently participating
and continue to receive testing supplies and ongoing staff training free
of charge. Though many programs in the state have already implemented
these programs, more clinic participation is needed. The opportunity
for clinics not currently participating in this program is still available
and OTPG will be offering information on how more facilities can participate.
These training opportunities are still available for interested programs.
This contract also supported Life Skills/Career Education for counselors
of opioid treatment programs.
The success of our previous opportunities prompted OTPG to receive another contract to study Hepatitis C (HCV) for 2005. Given the prevalence of Hepatitis C among our treatment program population, we are hoping that the results of this program will lead to additional funding for actual HCV testing. The OTPG subcommittee for contract acquisition is currently speaking with representatives from Georgia State University to see if monies can be obtained in 2008 for this purpose.
Clinics are currently in the process of receiving vaccines for Hepatitis A and B at no charge. Clinics now have the opportunity to vaccinate all patients and staff. Training to administer these vaccines, as well as training in completing state required data, is provided to programs free of charge.
Our ultimate goal as a coalition is to have 100% participation of all
opioid treatment programs throughout the state of Georgia. We have found
that collectively the programs throughout the state have a greater influence
in the development of regulations and standards than individual programs.
If you are not currently a member of the Opioid Treatment Providers of
Georgia, we would like to invite you to join our team. If you are a member,
we thank you for your continuous support throughout the years. For those
programs that are recent members, we welcome you and look forward to
your support as we continue to move forward with our endeavors.
Membership dues for 2008 will be structured differently than the past. The amount due will be based on the current patient census at your facility and will be for a 12 month period.
Each quarter OTPG holds a meeting at a volunteer facility site. Please call us for the next meeting date and location. We hope that each of you will consider supporting our organization. The success of OTPG depends on the input from all providers and quality care givers. Please refer to the contact information below:
Opioid Treatment Providers of Georgia
1710 Commerce Highway
Athens, GA 30607
(770) 840-9912
Joelyn Alfred, President
Robin Rathbun, Vice President
Jonathan Connell, Parliamentarian
Ali McCorkle, Treasurer
Stacey Pearce, AATOD Delegate
an organization of treatment providers, counselors, and other interested
persons concerned about treatment, recovery, and
traditional and alternative options for heroin and other opioid addiction © 2008
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