In a startling revelation, fentanyl surpassed fatalities from car accidents and suicides in Colorado in 2023, with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reporting a significant toll on the community. In response to this alarming trend, a new clinic in Lakewood has emerged, aiming to alter the devastating trajectory of opioid-related deaths. Recently inaugurated just off West Colfax Avenue, Community Medical Services has opened its doors to provide critical treatments and resources for individuals grappling with the harsh realities of opioid addiction.
The Lakewood clinic enriches a network of six other locations throughout Colorado, all dedicated to combating the state’s escalating opioid crisis, which has devastated families and communities alike.
“Our facility is tailored to provide medication-assisted treatment for individuals suffering from opioid use disorder,” articulated Dr. Frazer Grant, the clinics’ state medical director. “We employ a comprehensive approach that merges FDA-approved medications with vital counseling and case management, empowering those we serve to stabilize their situations, heal, and ultimately reclaim their lives.”
In Jefferson County, alarming data shows opioid overdose death rates at 24.8 per 100,000 residents, alongside nonfatal emergency room visits at a staggering 40.1 per 100,000 residents. These figures significantly surpass the statewide averages of 22 and 31 per 100,000 residents, underscoring the urgent demand for enhanced local resources to tackle this crisis head-on.
A patient-centered approach
CMS’s Lakewood clinic adopts a multifaceted strategy to address opioid addiction, emphasizing both immediate needs and a pathway to sustainable long-term recovery. By adhering to a harm-reduction philosophy, the clinic creates an environment where patients feel supported and empowered, meeting them at their unique point in the recovery process.
No one has to schedule an appointment to receive help, making access to treatment seamless.
“The beauty of what we do is to provide intakes on demand,” explained Jesus Godinez, Colorado regional director. “If someone feels ready to embark on their recovery journey at this very moment, we are committed to meeting them where they are, rather than telling them the next available intake is two weeks away.”
CMS staff are consistently prepared to intake patients immediately, ensuring that there are no barriers to accessing care. Godinez further emphasized the importance of capitalizing on moments when individuals are open to treatment, noting that there’s often a fleeting opportunity to provide assistance before a person changes their mind.
The clinic’s approach also features the utilization of two FDA-approved medications—methadone and Suboxone—that specifically address the acute physical symptoms of withdrawal and significantly curtail cravings.
“Simply advising people to cease substance use may yield positive results for only one or two out of ten individuals,” Grant remarked. “If we aim to address the fentanyl crisis without incorporating medication, we risk achieving dire outcomes. Without managing their withdrawal symptoms effectively, it becomes nearly insurmountable for an individual to focus on the recovery process.”
Beyond merely administering medication, CMS emphasizes personalized counseling that tackles the emotional and psychological dimensions of addiction. Each session is customized to identify and address underlying issues, such as trauma or mental health challenges. Furthermore, the clinic provides group therapy sessions through telehealth, catering to patients with demanding schedules or transportation hurdles.
“Recovery transcends merely ceasing drug use,” Grant noted. “It entails equipping individuals with the tools they need to rebuild their lives and foster a brighter future.”
Addressing stigma and building trust
Grant emphasized the clinics’ commitment to dismantling stigma surrounding addiction, advocating for a shift in perception that recognizes addiction as a chronic illness rather than a failure of character. Staff members make a concerted effort to ensure that treatment is delivered in a judgment-free environment.
“Addiction doesn’t discriminate,” Godinez affirmed. “Our patient demographic encompasses individuals from diverse backgrounds, including the homeless, parents, and professionals. Each person merits access to treatment and care.”
Grant often draws comparisons between addiction and other chronic conditions, stressing the need for long-term medication management: “As some diabetics require insulin indefinitely, many patients with opioid use disorder may need medication for life. This isn’t a reflection of weakness but rather the most effective strategy to protect lives and promote enduring health.”
This nuanced understanding informs CMS’s collaborative efforts within the community. The clinic engages in partnerships with public health departments, law enforcement, and nonprofit organizations, facilitating referrals to additional resources for those in need.
Furthermore, CMS staff are deeply involved in outreach initiatives aimed at connecting with individuals who may otherwise slip through the system, ensuring that treatment reaches the most vulnerable within the community.
Saving lives, strengthening communities
CMS evaluates its impact not only through individual success stories but also by examining the positive ripple effects on families and communities. Patients frequently report marked improvements in their living conditions and economic stability within a year of beginning treatment.
“Data indicates that a patient’s circumstances improve significantly after treatment, with a notable increase of about 30% in housing and employment,” shared Grant. “Moreover, engaging in treatment while incarcerated substantially reduces the likelihood of recidivism, by approximately 50%.”
For many individuals, these transformations represent more than just personal stability; parents in recovery often regain custody of their children, effectively breaking cycles of trauma and rebuilding family ties. Patients returning to the workforce become productive members of society, thereby contributing to their local economies, while the concurrent decline in overdose deaths alleviates pressure on emergency services.
“It’s remarkable to see how this treatment catalyzes positive change—benefiting not just the individuals but also their families and, ultimately, their communities,” Grant emphasized.
The health benefits of treatment extend beyond addiction management; CMS proactively screens patients for communicable diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, and tuberculosis, thus ensuring early intervention for critical health concerns.
“The all-cause mortality reduction associated with this treatment is 60%,” explained Grant. “This statistic markedly surpasses that of wearing a seatbelt, which lowers mortality risk by about 40%.”
Looking ahead, CMS is committed to expanding its services further, seeking to reach additional underserved populations and amplifying statewide efforts to address the ongoing opioid crisis.
“Our mission centers on restoring lives,” asserted Grant. “Every individual who walks through our doors deserves the opportunity for recovery, and our team is dedicated to making that transformation a reality.”
To learn more about CMS and the array of services it offers, consider visiting the Lakewood clinic or exploring its website.
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**Interview with Dr. Frazer Grant and Jesus Godinez of Community Medical Services**
**Interview with Dr. Frazer Grant and Jesus Godinez of Community Medical Services**
*Interviewer:* Thank you both for joining us today. The statistics about fentanyl fatalities in Colorado are alarming. Dr. Grant, can you tell us more about how the new clinic in Lakewood aims to address this crisis?
*Dr. Grant:* Absolutely. Our clinic focuses on providing medication-assisted treatment for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder. We offer FDA-approved medications like methadone and Suboxone, which help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. But beyond that, we integrate vital counseling and case management into our approach, helping patients stabilize their situations and empower them to take charge of their recovery.
*Interviewer:* Jesus, you mentioned earlier that individuals can seek treatment without scheduling an appointment. How does this unique approach benefit those in need?
*Jesus Godinez:* It’s crucial because many people who struggle with addiction face significant barriers to treatment, including time constraints and immediate readiness. By providing intakes on demand, we’re able to meet patients right when they’re ready to seek help. It eliminates the waiting period that could deter someone from starting their recovery journey.
*Interviewer:* The stigma around addiction is a barrier itself. Dr. Grant, how does your clinic work to combat that stigma?
*Dr. Grant:* We view addiction as a chronic illness rather than a moral failing. We’ve created a judgment-free environment where patients from diverse backgrounds can feel safe to seek help. It’s about understanding that addiction doesn’t discriminate and that everyone deserves access to treatment and care.
*Interviewer:* In light of the crisis, how does Community Medical Services measure its effectiveness within the community?
*Jesus Godinez:* We evaluate our impact through patient success stories, but also by looking at community-level changes. For example, we’ve seen a 30% increase in housing and employment among our patients within a year of treatment. Plus, when individuals receive treatment while incarcerated, we reduce the likelihood of recidivism by about 50%. These metrics demonstrate how we’re not just helping individuals, but also strengthening the fabric of our communities.
*Interviewer:* what message do you both want to convey to anyone struggling with addiction or their loved ones?
*Dr. Grant:* We want to emphasize that recovery is not just about stopping drug use; it’s about equipping individuals with tools for a better life. There’s hope, and help is available.
*Jesus Godinez:* And to anyone out there feeling alone in this struggle—please know that you’re not alone. We are here to help, and we’re ready to assist you in your journey to recovery.
