Know the facts:

Opioid Treatment Program at UConnectCare

As you may know, we are launching an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) and we wanted to give you the facts related to our community.

Since 2001, opioid addiction has increased exponentially in Genesee and Orleans Counties, and the current forms of treatment are not working effectively.
Patients go through the steps to recovery with the assistance of a medical professional, so we can save lives.
The clinic is scheduled to open at our Batavia location in early 2018 and will serve 150 people for treatment.

Methadone treatment is for individuals with an addiction to opioid drugs, such as heroin or prescription pain medication. When taken as prescribed, it is safe and effective. It allows people to recover from their addiction and to reclaim active and meaningful lives. Methadone works by changing how the brain and nervous system respond to pain. It lessens the painful symptoms of opioid withdrawal and blocks the euphoric effects of opioid drugs.

UConnectCare will administer doses of methadone to patients in a liquid form as prescribed by our medical staff. The medication will be part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include counseling. UConnectCare’s Opioid Treatment Program will be highly regulated by state and federal laws, providing a very safe and secure environment.

For a full list of Frequently Asked Questions, please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Why is this coming to Batavia instead of the other locations?

Batavia is an ideal location to serve individuals from Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties. It’s central and much closer for people to travel than Buffalo or Rochester.

Is this going to attract drug users to Batavia?

No, UConnectCare is expanding our current opioid treatment services to include methadone. There are people living in our communities (Genesee/Orleans/Wyoming) who need these services. We will be helping people already living here.

Will the OTP/Methadone clinic increase criminal activity in the area?

No, it’s actually been demonstrated in other communities that criminal activity actually decreases by having methadone treatment available. Because patients will have more treatment options, they will be more likely to seek treatment. Fewer crimes will be committed to get drugs or money for drugs.

Isn't the clinic trading one addiction for another?

Addiction is a brain disease. Just like other diseases, medication may be part of the treatment protocol. Patients with diabetes use insulin. Patients with heart disease take a variety of medications. Patients with addiction are also helped by medication. Using methadone to treat heroin addiction is not trading one drug for another because methadone is a long-acting medication and does not produce the same euphoric effects. Also, it is prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan including counseling if needed.

Does methadone make people high?

No, methadone treatment is highly regulated to ensure the appropriate dose. Patients who use methadone are able to attend school or work and not be “high.”

How will UConnectCare keep our community safe?

UConnectCare will follow federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) licensing requirements for safety and security. Alarms will be in place on the dispensing room, medication dispenser, and safe where methadone will be stored. In addition, the safe and dispensers will be located on an internal wall and there are security cameras on site.

What will the clinic do to the value of my property?

UConnectCare moved to 430 East Main Street in 2003 and has been a good neighbor. Property values will likely stay the same or maybe even increase.

What is the maximum number of patients you will have at any time?

UConnectCare will serve up to 150 individuals in the OTP/Methadone clinic.