Treatment During COVID-19

August 25, 2020

A message from our CEO in light of the COVID-19 pandemic

Dear Patients, Family Members and Referents,

We have done a great deal of planning and work to make Serenity Lane safe in light of the current pandemic. The risk from COVID-19 cannot be eliminated; however, with careful adherence to the safety and health protocols outlined by the Oregon Health Authority - including social distancing, mask wearing and the restriction of non-essential visitors- we believe it can be managed effectively.

We regularly communicate the necessity of following safety protocols with our staff, patients and volunteers through emails, posted signage and in-person meetings. Our Director of Nursing meets weekly with patients to address concerns, communicate new rules as needed and explore creative ways to help patients be safe and comfortable.

We are grateful for the cooperation of our patients and families. We know it is difficult to be separated during an already challenging time, however, we also know that your support and encouragement of adherence to this guidance can make a difference in effective engagement in treatment for everyone involved.

Serenity Lane has a special responsibility for the well-being of our patients, and as CEO I am also responsible for our staff and volunteers. We take seriously the trust placed in us to provide treatment during these times. Do not hesitate to reach out to us with questions or concerns about our safety protocols.

Together, we ensure we safely do the important work we have been doing for almost 48 years -saving lives and putting families back together.

Sincerely,

Pete Kerns
President and CEO

Outpatient Reopening - Phase 1

Beginning June 8, 2020, our outpatient clinics will enter Phase 1 re-opening, based upon county guidelines.

Phase 1:  Some IOP groups will begin meeting in-person, adhering to guidelines set forth by the Oregon Health Authority, OSHA and Serenity Lane:  Phase 1 will include limited individual sessions and some urine drug screen testing.  Tele-health will remain operational.

Outpatient Office OPEN dates:

• Eugene Office: OPEN 6/8/20
• Roseburg Office: OPEN 6/8/20
• Bend Office: OPEN 6/8/20
• Albany Office:  OPEN 6/15/20
• Salem Office: OPEN 6/15/20
• Portland Barbur Office: OPEN 6/25/20
• Portland East Office: OPEN 6/25/20

RecoveryNOW Telehealth Treatment

Serenity Lane has developed a telehealth program (RecoveryNOW) to provide the same comprehensive outpatient programming for patients at home. This program allows patients access to group meetings via computer, smartphone or cellphone, or a landline.

1)​ I want to get into treatment but I would rather not leave my home or travel.

If you need treatment but do not want to leave your home, consider enrolling in our RecoveryNOW virtual addiction treatment program. You have two options:

• Level II, our Intensive Outpatient Program which includes three sessions, lasting three hours per week. In this level of care you will have access to a counselor and group sessions.
• We also have level I, which is once-weekly meetings with a counselor and group session. 
• Along with the group sessions, we still continue to offer individual patient and family phone sessions as part of these levels of care services.

2) I have concerns about my privacy being protected if I utilize a telehealth or Zoom meeting for my treatment.

We have employed all recommended best practices for ensuring privacy in our virtual addiction treatment services. Including the following measures:

• Counselors control admits to each session utilizing a "waiting room" where each participant is checked before being allowed into the meeting.
• Blocked participants ability to view other participants emails
• Require participants to use first name, last initial only for participation. This is monitored by the counselor
• Disabled virtual desktop which blocks participants from uploading random virtual backgrounds from any source
• Chat options are controlled by the counselor within the group setting
• Counselor ability to remove a mute, turn video off, or remove a participant from the session if needed

3) ​Is it safe to come to Coburg for treatment? I am worried about exposing myself to COVID-19.

We are OPEN for detox and admits at our Coburg facility and are employing stringent safety measures including screenings for all incoming patients, staff and vendors. Patients and staff are required to wear masks; housekeeping and dietary staff wear masks and gloves. We have been maintaining social distancing measures and infection prevention measures throughout the COVID-19 event, including daily screenings, hand sanitizer in all areas, and daily sanitizing of the entire campus with approved cleaning materials.