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Programs for Change Alcohol and Substance Abuse Recovery Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Most of us have heard the saying, “when one door closes, another one opens,” and it rings especially true for Hudson Hospital & Clinic alcohol and substance dependence recovery program – Programs for Change.  Spurring its inception 25 years ago was the closing of a St. Paul hospital offering this type of care to the Hudson community. To fill this void, hospital and clinic leadership joined forces to develop a plan to offer Inpatient and Outpatient Counseling and Treatment to Hudson and surrounding communities. This fall, Programs for Change is celebrating 25 years of dedication to the community offering treatment and recovery care services for over two and a half decades.

Programs for Change – The History

In 1987 Steve Muellerleile, Vice President Operations, Physician & Business Development, Hudson Hospital & Clinic and the Midway Inpatient/Outpatient Counseling and Treatment team saw an opportunity for a program to thrive in the Hudson community and presented the idea to the Hudson Hospital Board of Directors. By September, Muellerleile along with Ralph Zabel, Counselor, Kathy Smith, RN, Hudson Hospital and Robert McGrew, hospital volunteer started the program based on the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – 12-Step Recovery Model. This model offered group and individual counseling for both inpatients (28-day stay) and outpatients (three months of group therapy). Over the next six years, there was significant growth for the program as it gained a strong presence in the community. In 1993 significant financial and clinical delivery model changes occurred in the industry requiring Hudson Hospital to discontinue inpatient substance dependence treatment services and concentrate the Care Delivery Model on outpatient program growth. It was in this transition that the program evolved and became “Programs for Change.” Over the years Programs for Change continued to evolve and integrate new clinical models as they developed in the treatment industry. These models include cognitive behavioral techniques and a focus on whole-health for prolonged recovery and growth. In 2003, Peter VanDusartz, Director, Clinical Counseling & Social Services, Manager, Programs for Change, was brought on due to his background in mental health to develop a new intake assessment process which included a full psycho-social history and mental health evaluation. Then in 2008 the program moved off campus, taking to heart the privacy needs of program participants and ensuring the best possible care. “Programs for Change is vital to the health of the community,” says VanDusartz. “Discretion is paramount to participant’s success in the program.” In December of 2008, Hudson Hospital joined the HealthPartners family of care offering greater access and a larger network of services to the Hudson community. This partnership provides participants a higher level of care with Regions Hospital’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (ADAP). Collaboration with other treatment providers is essential to providing comprehensive care and as part of the HealthPartners family there is access to a wide range of specialty medical care available to program participants.

Programs for Change Today

Programs for Change offers an evaluation process to assess the whole person and identify when alcohol or substance use has become a dependency. They offer compassionate and non-judgmental guidance to help people break free, free to move on and live the life they’ve always intended. Specific programs include: Adolescent Insights Program, Continuing Care Program, Intake Assessment, and Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program.

Having earned a successful reputation, Programs for Change draws clients from all over the region as it offers a healthy, positive opportunity for change. Recovery from substance dependence has a ripple effect and improves all other life areas including productivity at work, parenting roles, and involvement with family and school and program graduates move on to contribute to a healthier community. The 25 Anniversary is a milestone for Hudson Hospital & Clinic as it strives to continue building and sustaining exceptional health care close to home.

Programs for Change – Alumni Event Planned

An alumni event will be taking place to celebrate and share in the successes of those who have been involved in the program. For those alumni interested in learning more contact Pete VanDusartz, Director, Counseling and Social Services, Manager, Programs for Change at (715) 531-6752.
 

Categories: Foundation