New opioid replacement treatment clinic to open Feb. 26 in downtown Ithaca

A new clinic offering services for those affected by opioid use disorders will open on Feb. 26 in downtown Ithaca at 402 North Cayuga St.

Reach Medical plans to change the way care is delivered for people with opioid use disorder, said Melissa Gusman, marketing manager for Care Compass Network, in a press release.

Reach stands for respectful, equitable, access to compassionate healthcare, the media release stated.

"Following a low threshold, harm reduction model of care, Reach will operate an integrated model that includes opioid replacement treatment, primary care and behavioral intervention in a stigma-free setting," Gusman said.

By contracting with clinical providers across the healthcare continuum, Reach creates a safety net, helping to prevent overdoses and ensuring people have easier access to treatment, the release stated.

Reach Founder Dr. Justine Waldman is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with extensive experience working with individuals with opioid use disorder.

Reach aims to meet patients where they are, help remove the barriers to healthcare and engage patients so they feel safe and comfortable receiving treatment on their own terms, Gusman said.

The opioid crisis the U.S. is facing requires that healthcare providers change the way in which addiction medicine has traditionally been approached.

"Reach Medical’s goal is to help reduce the stigma around people who use drugs, but also to create an environment where a trusting relationship can be built with patients," Gusman said.

Reach accepts all forms of Medicaid, most other local insurance plans, and offers a self-pay discount for individuals who do not wish to use insurance or are uninsured, the release stated. Call 607-273-7000 to make a referral or to schedule an appointment.

More: Southern Tier AIDS Program provides testing, improves treatments

More: Video: Southern Tier AIDS Program services

More: Four accused of possessing drugs near three-year-old

Follow @MSteecker on Twitter.