The Virtue Center

PROJECT PURPOSE

The Virtue Center serves central Oklahoma by providing life-saving outpatient treatment services for substance abuse, problem gambling and co-occurring mental health disorders for adolescents, adults and their families. Our vision for The Virtue Center is every person affected by addiction and mental health challenges will heal and thrive. We are striving for this vision by: ? Providing a more efficient, professional environment with a welcoming, trauma-informed design ensuring the dignity of each client served. ? Destigmatizing the disease of addiction and mental health issues. ? Increasing capacity to serve more people through program expansion and financial sustainability. We are asking the state to support our mission by investing American Rescue Plan monies to support these efforts. These efforts will make a tremendous impact on the welfare of the communities in central Oklahoma. Specifically, we are requesting $500,000 to support our capital project to build a state-of-the-art facility.

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

One-time project will not need continued funding