Rio Grande Hospital Recovery Clinic is open

Photo by Lyndsie Ferrell Rio Grande Hospital CEO Arlene Harms shows plans for the new South Fork Clinic at the Upper Rio Grande Economic Development meeting in August.

DEL NORTE — Rio Grande Hospital has announced that its new Recovery Clinic is accepting patients. The new program was made possible through the many efforts of hospital staff and local physicians. The program is open to anyone suffering or dealing with addiction and other vices and needs help. 

During the summer celebration hosted by the Rio Grande Hospital in August, Rio Grande Hospital CEO Arlene Harms announced the new program and asked Dr. Ely Walker to speak about it. He explained his process and the way he and his team plan to help people suffering from addiction and or other substance abuse issues. 

According to the hospital, the program is unique within the San Luis Valley in offering specialty-level addiction care. The clinic will provide a personalized approach for those struggling with substance use or other behavioral addictions, including but not limited to heroin or other opioids, methamphetamines, alcohol, benzodiazepines, cocaine, tobacco, gambling, pornography, or internet use. 

Additionally, treatment will be offered for Hepatitis C infection and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis.

The services offered through the clinic can benefit many individuals including those who have family members or friends suffering the impacts of addiction and recovery. Anyone who thinks they may benefit from the recovery program is welcome to participate and clinic staff and physicians will do what they need to get patients the help they require.

Trauma-informed care acknowledges that care teams need to have a complete picture of a patient’s life situation — past and present — to provide effective health care services with a culture of safety, empowerment, and healing, hospital officials noted.

Addiction doesn’t stop with those who are addicted. Many times, family and friends of people that suffer from addiction suffer just as much if not more, and services are available to those wanting to seek counsel and other recovery benefits. 

There are numerous resources available and depending on a person’s specific needs referrals and connections can be made with various community partners to meet their needs, officials said.

For more information or to sign up for the Recovery Clinic, call 719-657-4100.