DANVILLE, Ky. — The Wellness Community is a health care technology company that recently opened in Danville, and it’s launching the Primary Addiction Treatment at Home (PATH) Program to help those struggling with substance use.
Andrea James, an ambassador, works primarily with the PATH program. He said the key draws are comfort and confidentiality.
“You don’t have to worry about walking into a treatment center,” said James. “Maybe you don’t want to be seen walking in and out of a treatment center. So we want you to be comfortable. It’s confidential. You don’t have to miss work.”
James was raised in eastern Kentucky and saw a disparity in health care in that part of the state.
“I know there’s a huge need there,” said James. “There’s such a huge medical gap in those areas.”
It was this and seeing kids that her children went to school with struggling with addiction that sparked her passion to be a part of something that could help with this growing problem.
In 2021, there was a 14.5% increase of overdose deaths across Kentucky from 2020, according to the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy.
“We need more education in this area,” said James. “We have some fantastic programs, some fantastic leaders here in Boyle County that have totally embraced and spent their time with those with substance use disorder, but I knew that they could use some help, and we knew that Community Wellness could kind of start filling that gap—especially offering the Telehealth programs so that everybody is accessible.”
The PATH Program is a brand-new initiative that will launch in February. It comprises completing drug screens, talking with counselors, and working with behavioral health coaches.
This is all done virtually to reach more people throughout Kentucky, especially people that live in rural communities.
“Everything [is done] right in the comfort of your own home,” James explained. “You don’t have to worry about being embarrassed. We want to make sure that your dignity is in place.”
The company has a plan in place for those seeking services that do not have the technology needed to take part in the program.
“If you don’t have a phone or tablet, we’ll provide that for you as well,” said James. “You will need internet access… for our folks that don’t have that... there are programs through the state that you can receive reduced internet so we can help you find that as well.”
The initiative is also accessible to people that might be tight on money.
“The program for our Medicaid and Medicare patients is zero out-of-pocket so we don’t want there to be any barriers,” said James. “We want to make sure that you’re receiving the care that you need.”
Reducing barriers to offer health care is the main focus of the Wellness Community.