We’re Open & Committed to Addiction Treatment During Coronavirus
With passion and vigilance, American Addiction Centers (AAC) remains open and committed to serving the millions of individuals struggling with addiction, while enforcing safety and prevention as a top priority in regards to COVID-19 (aka Coronavirus).
AAC is strictly following the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization’s recommendations and taking as many proactive actions as possible to protect our current and future patients and staff.
COVID-19 Testing
Testing is not currently required for incoming patients.
Previously, we conducted rapid (same-day) COVID-19 testing as an additional safety screening for patients admitted to its treatment centers across the country. Currently, testing is not required for incoming patients; however, this is subject to change in the future.
Should testing be performed, it is 100 percent confidential and we maintain strict HIPAA compliance.
A full list of the process, FAQ and information can be found here.
Overview of Our Approach
1. Overall Patient and Staff Safety
Each facility has been tasked with establishing a Health Protection Committee (HPC).
The purpose of the HPC is to ensure hygiene and safety measures are consistently in place and being followed at each facility, ensure a coordinated company response to any concerns and establish protective protocols in the event that the health of our patients or employees may have been compromised as a result of COVID-19.
The HPC works directly and daily with AAC’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lawrence Weinstein to implement and enforce the most up-to-date procedures as the coronavirus information evolves.
2. Admissions
Updated CDC guidelines advise that patients who have been vaccinated may not have to quarantine upon admission.
Patients will be asked about their vaccination status when they call our admissions center. Those who have been vaccinated should bring their vaccination card with them to the facility for admission.
AAC screens all patients prior to admission to determine:
- Personal travel history.
- Potential exposure.
- Potential contact with someone who has traveled to areas of concern.
- Any direct contact by the patients with persons diagnosed with COVID-19.
- Any symptoms of illness.
Those who screen positive will not be admitted to treatment. Those who screen negative will be eligible for admission.
People do NOT have to be vaccinated in order to receive treatment from AAC.
Transportation assistance to and from the facility may be available. Please ask about assistance with scheduling transportation to treatment when you call River Oaks today.
3. Staff Monitoring
AAC is committed to ensuring staff at our facilities are not infected with COVID-19 virus.
Staff who have:
- Traveled to areas of concern,
- Been in contact with someone in these areas,
- Been in direct contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, and/or
- Shown any signs of illness,
are asked to follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, which dictates 14 days of isolation with no symptoms from the time of contact.
4. Facility Hygiene
We are maintaining our already stringent cleaning and disinfecting processes throughout the day along with regularly scheduled deep cleanings and encouraging staff and patients to practice strict hand hygiene and avoid skin to skin contact. We are also closely monitoring the health of our patients.
5. Specialized Treatment
Our therapists have been trained on the effects of anxiety related to COVID-19 and are running groups at facilities to address concerns.
River Oaks Treatment Center’s Adjusted Services
Please see details here for about update to our services.
This section last updated on 3/19/2020.
FAQs about Addiction Treatment & Coronavirus
How to Protect Yourself, Your Family and Your Community
The CDC recommends daily preventative actions to help reduce the spread of respiratory diseases including:
- Avoid unnecessary handshakes, hugs and kisses
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Stay home when you are sick and stay away from others if you are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
- Clean and disinfect frequently touches objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing:
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
Our laboratory CEO Mark Calarco recommends the following immunity boosting measures:
- High doses of Vitamin D (10,000 units per day)
- Mushroom Complex supplements (for the immune system)
- Drink plenty of water and fluids
Evolving Procedures and Policies
As information on the coronavirus continues to evolve, we are examining our procedures closely and updating our procedures and policies as necessary. We will remain open and look forward to continuing to provide critical addiction treatment and resources to the millions of people suffering from the disease of addiction.
American Addiction Centers is the leading provider for addiction treatment nationwide, specializing in evidence-based treatment and mental health care. Call us now for help – .
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