By CUHCC
People who use substances like opioids deserve dignity and respect, just like anyone else. A compassionate approach to care that centers on the patient’s individual goals is embraced at Community-University Health Care Center (CUHCC), 2001 Bloomington Ave.
If someone has wounds from their substance use, help will be given to heal. If employment or housing are deterrents to health goals, connections will be made to services that can help. HIV and hepatitis C testing and treatment are also common requests from Clinic patients in this situation.
CUHCC personnel understand that not everyone wants to stop using substances, so there is no pressure for people to fully quit. Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) is offered to reduce cravings and help with withdrawal symptoms, so someone who wants to use less has the same options as someone who wants to quit. An alternative unique at CUHCC is Sublocade – it’s a medication that is given to patients through an injection; Sublocade helps with cravings and withdrawal for an entire month. This is especially helpful for people who have trouble remembering to take a pill every day or who may be unhoused or move often.
CUHCC also has resources to keep people who use substances safe while they’re using. There is a box outside our Clinic–24 hours a day– where anyone can get Narcan, a medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose.
Finally, the CUHCC team does not just care about a person’s substance use. People who use substances are our neighbors, friends, and family – so they are treated like the important people they are. With that in mind, patients are connected to medical care, dental care, mental health support, victim advocacy, and/or legal services.
Questions about CUHCC substance use or harm reduction services? Personally or for a friend, text CUHCC at 612-207-8352. Any questions will be answered and direction on decision whether and how to access care left up to the patient.
