A first-of-its-kind opioid treatment program is opening its doors to addicts seeking treatment around the clock.
"We don't have to turn anyone away," said John Koch, peer support program manager at the Community Medical Services North Phoenix clinic.
The location, off Northern Avenue near Interstate 17, offers medication, counseling and check-ups under a single roof. Other, similar facilities that administer medications like naloxone and methadone are typically only open in the morning.
"We want people to be able to walk in when they have that moment -- the moment of, 'I want some help, I need some help right now, I'm tired of living like this, what do I do?'"
In its first month of expanded hours, Koch said the clinic has taken in more than 150 patients. Within two minutes of walking through the door, he said, each person is paired up with a peer support mentor who is also in recovery.
Clinic operations are mostly funded through grants with support from the state, according to CEO Nick Stavros. Services cost $60 per week and most patients use Medicaid.
By next year, five similar 24 hours a day, 7 days a week clinics will be up and running around Arizona.
