The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Spero Health to battle addiction, give support
Spero Health opened a facility offering outpatient care for addiction to opioids, alcohol, and stimulants.
Spero Health hosted a ribbon-cutting Nov. 16 to celebrate the latest opening of its new location.
The facility offers local outpatient care for addiction to opioids, alcohol, stimulants and other substances.
The newest facility, located at 1131 Broad St. in Elyria, opened in July and has around 40 patients.
Facility administrator Sue Collins said the personal one-on-one interaction with each patient with the staff is part of the agency’s progressive methods for treatment.
“I like to make them feel like they’re the only patient we have,” Collins said. “We care.”
The personalization of treatment gives better results and keeps the patients happy as they battle their addictions, she said.
“It keeps them coming back, and it works,” Collins said.
Ginger Jackson, vice president of marketing and communication for Spero Health, said the novel coronavirus pandemic has created a surge in the ongoing opioid epidemic.
With around 40 locations in five states, Jackson said the need for services from Spero Health has greatly increased.
“We’re in a pandemic while the opioid epidemic is continuing,” she said. “People have lost social aspects, lost their jobs and due to the pandemic, it’s fueled people’s additions even further.”
Tony Gallo, president of the Lorain County Chamber of Commerce, said he was informed of the effect the pandemic would have on the opioid epidemic as well as those suffering from other additions.
“I think the local hospitals, Nord Center and MHARS (Mental Heath, Addiction and Recovery Services) board saw it and they knew,” Gallo said. “The first call I got was from the MHARS board saying they expected to see a huge amount of bad stuff coming out of being isolated with no one to talk to and an increased amount of time on their hands.”
Facilities such as Spero Health are key to the recovery and success of those suffering from addiction, he said.
“These types of businesses that open up to truly help our residents, and businesses are key,” Gallo said. “It shows there’s an issue that needs to be dealt with and we need to talk about it so it’s not hidden under the rug anymore.
“We need to get these people well.”
With counselors, physician visits and individualized recovery plans, Jackson said the Elyria location is here to help the community through the epidemic.
To make an appointment, visit sperohealth.com or call 216-270-7464.
“There is no one size fits all for treating addiction,” Jackson said. “You have to understand their unique case and that varies based on where you are.
“Our mission is to save lives and to help restore relationships. Everything has a ripple effect, and our hard work here has a positive ripple effect.”