1/11/2018

PITTSBURGH – This winter, UPMC McKeesport will open a 27-bed unit dedicated to detoxification and rehabilitation services for patients with substance abuse disorders, functioning as the only location in Allegheny County to combine the two services within one inpatient unit. The unit is slated to open by the end of February with 18 beds dedicated to detox and nine to rehab.

The UPMC McKeesport unit will offer treatment that safely tackles all components of addiction, including comprehensive medical care, behavioral health services and rehabilitation services.

“Our program is designed to break the cycle of addiction, step by step and day by day, with the goal to restore people’s hope that they can achieve wellness to lead healthy, productive lives,” said Dawndra Jones, D.N.P., R.N., N.E.A.-B.C., chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services, UPMC McKeesport.

The unit will treat patients who need detoxification from opiates, benzodiazepines and alcohol with co-occurring medical needs that require around the clock medical care throughout the process. The rehab beds in this unit will offer patients short-term residential care for addiction-related treatment and any other co-occurring medical needs.

“Residential rehabilitation helps people achieve a stable state before they go on to a less intensive level of care,” said Jones. “Our ability to be available at all times and provide assessments to determine the appropriate treatment level is vital to patient success.”

This new unit builds on the many other addiction medicine services and programs UPMC offers to aid people who are struggling with substance abuse.

“We are dedicated to making a true impact on the community and patients we serve. As we continue to fight the opioid epidemic, patients who come to UPMC McKeesport can expect to be met with compassion by a well-trained team of experts who specialize in addiction treatment and recovery,” said Mark Sevco, president of UPMC McKeesport and UPMC East. “We are looking forward to collaborating with all community providers and thrilled to have the support from local political leaders including McKeesport Mayor Mike Cherepko and Pennsylvania State Senator James Brewster.”