Norman Alcohol Information Center, Inc, dba The Virtue Center

PROJECT PURPOSE

This project is to bolster our retention and recruitment of licensed therapists who provide life-saving outpatient treatment services for substance use disorders, problem gambling and related mental health issues. Due to a crippling work force shortage, we increased the salaries of our licensed team members in order to be competitive with the state and for-profit organizations without additional funding in place. Urgent action was needed as The Virtue Center lost several qualified employees to significantly higher salaries this past year. Because it takes up to one year to find a qualified replacement, any loss of staff has a detrimental impact on our ability to provide the number of services needed. We developed a 5-year business plan to strengthen our financial viability and are working closely with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services to advocate for increased reimbursement rates for services. Rates have not been raised significantly in over 20 years and in many cases have been cut. Funding of this project will allow us to maintain competitive salaries for our licensed therapists for the next 4 years while continuing to build our financial position and preserving the continuity and expansion of services.

EVIDENCE

The Virtue Center utilizes evidence-based treatment programs which include the Matrix Model. The protocols were developed and evaluated with funding from National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Center on Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), and National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA). They include extensive assessment strategies, treatment placement guidelines, outpatient detoxification regimens, and structured outpatient options. This approach allows for maximal utilization of effective outpatient treatment methods. The Virtue Center incorporates a number of NIDA- recognized evidenced-based practices, including group and individual counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, voluntary drug screening, trauma informed treatment and quick access to services.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The impact of the pandemic on substance use disorders and mental health issues will be a long-term problem negatively affecting all people in central Oklahoma and the state. ?At The Virtue Center: Clients are struggling with more mental health issues that must be addressed in individual and group sessions.?? Clients who have never had a problem with alcohol are seeking services. Grief over loss of employment and /or death of loved one plus isolation has led to problem use.?? Accessibility to alcohol through home delivery services has negatively impacted clients.?? Clients in long term recovery are coming back for services. Isolation has led to relapse.?? Clients new to recovery have had a difficult time connecting and engaging in recovery.?? Diminished opportunities to volunteer and engage in the community negatively impacted clients.?? 55% of clients fall below the Federal Poverty Line and another 34% live just above it. While we serve adolescents, adults and families, The Virtue Center is required by the state to give preference to the following groups in the order listed: Pregnant injecting drug users, pregnant substance abusers, Injecting drug users, persons with HIV/AIDS, women with dependent children and minorities.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Inputs: Provide outpatient treatment and education services to people facing addiction and mental health services. Output: More than double the number of people served from 2000 to 5000 Initial Outcomes: 80% of clients surveyed will understand addiction and its impact on the family. 80% of clients surveyed will developing coping skills to enhance their recovery. Intermediate Outcomes: 80% of clients surveyed will report an elimination or reduction of use of substances. Long-term Outcomes: 80% of clients surveyed will report positive changes in their lives; improved family relationships; and maintain or return to employment or school.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma