Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the new Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center Caring Recovery Opioid Treatment Program today. The new facility, located in the Twin Aire neighborhood, offers expanded space and treatment capabilities, along with being easily accessible for clients near the downtown area.

“Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center has transformed this new space located in the heart of the Twin Aire neighborhood into a dedicated space to provide resources for hope and recovery for Indianapolis’ community members,” said Ashley Overley, M.D., chief executive officer of Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center and Eskenazi Health vice president of mental health operations. “Our skilled team is here to establish trust, build rapport and provide wraparound services for those who need holistic support to address the many challenges faced by those experiencing opioid addiction.”

The new building, located at 3419 English Ave., is a transformation of a former retail space into a place of hope and recovery with public art installations and artwork from Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center clients available for all to enjoy. The space is much larger than the previous location and will offer improved access, including by public transportation, and double the availability of services for the community as well as improved parking.

As a partner with the Drug Prevention, Treatment and Enforcement of the State of Indiana, services at the new center are provided by highly trained and caring Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center staff who recognize each patient’s distinct needs to assist them in achieving their goals and return to a full and productive life.

“From the outset of his administration, Governor Eric Holcomb has emphasized the need for an all-hands-on-deck approach to addressing the drug epidemic, and Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center embodies this philosophy,” said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director for drug prevention, treatment, and enforcement for the State of Indiana. “Opioid Treatment Programs are a critical component of our robust, statewide infrastructure, offering a combined approach of counseling, medication, case management, and peer support to launch Hoosiers on the road to recovery.”

Services provided at the Caring Recovery Opioid Treatment Program are highly regulated at the federal level by the Drug Enforcement Agency and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program is committed to helping community members who suffer from opioid use disorder, fight the stigma that the disorder often brings, while also restoring hope.

“Methadone and group therapy changed my life. Thank you to the team at the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center Caring Recovery Opioid Treatment Program for their encouragement to stay clean,” said Jerry Thomas, a Caring Recovery Opioid Treatment Program client. “I’ve now been in recovery for over 10 years. When I’m going through a rough time, I know that my counselor, and my group members will check on me and help support me.”

Services incorporate medication for opioid use disorder, including methadone, a FDA approved medicine utilized for opioid use disorder taken orally to prevent withdrawal symptoms, reduce opioid use disorder and more. Individual and group therapy, case management and psychiatric treatment for additional mental health diagnoses are also key services offered. Walk-in intakes are available Monday through Friday from 8 – 11 a.m.

Over the last year, Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center leaders, spearheaded by Dr. Overley, have worked hard to engage and collaborate with the Twin Aire neighborhood residents to understand their priorities and goals for the neighborhood and have provided information and answered questions about the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center program.

“The Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center Caring Recovery Opioid Treatment Program and the transformation that we celebrate today are significant contributions to the neighborhood,” Kelli Mirgeaux, president of the Southeast Neighborhood Development Corporation. “Individuals struggling with opioid addiction now have better access to the services needed to reach recovery.

Along with providing resources for recovery, Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center hopes that through its efforts to help develop and drive further investment to the Twin Aire neighborhood, the area can continue to grow and develop.

“For the entirety of our existence, dating back through previous names, one thing has always been a constant; our commitment to being an engaged and intentional community partner for the areas and neighborhoods where we are located,” said Tamara Franklin, director of community engagement at Eskenazi Health. “Our facilities are meant to instill pride in the area and showcase the good and diverse gifts of each neighborhood.”

For more information about Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center services or to make an appointment, please call 317.880.8491.