ATLANTIC GENERAL HOSPITAL RECEIVES GRANT TO BOLSTER FIGHT AGAINST OPIOID ADDICTION

Berlin, Md. – Atlantic General Hospital has been presented with a $175,000 grant by the Maryland Community Health Services Commission for a new pain rehabilitation program at Atlantic General Pain Center.

The program is the organization’s most recent effort to combat the opioid crisis that has overtaken every corner of the United States, including the Eastern Shore. Nearly 50 million Americans experience chronic, long-term pain; providing treatment alternatives to opioids to help sufferers effectively manage their pain and reduce the risk of addiction is imperative.

“The Commission is pleased to support this important and innovative program,” commented Dr. Allan Anderson, Chairman, Community Health Resources Commission. “This program developed by Atlantic General will help promote approaches to pain management and will help reduce the use of opioids in Maryland.”

Pain rehabilitation programs are not new. This multidisciplinary approach for physically treating pain, while also helping patients effectively manage pain that may never be resolved through medical care, has existed for decades.

“While proven to be effective, very few programs are currently in existence,” said Michael Franklin, president and CEO of Atlantic General Hospital. “We are changing that for Worcester County.”

During the 10-day program, patients will have access to medically-driven pain management, vocational support, integrative health therapies like meditation, massage and guided imagery, physical and occupational therapy, and behavioral health care to achieve their individualized goals in returning to an active and fulfilling life.

“The goal of the program is to restore function and improve the quality of life for individuals suffering with chronic pain, along with discontinuing or reducing the use of opioids for treatment,” said Dr. Wadid Zaky, pain specialist at the Atlantic General Pain Center, and the architect of the center’s pain rehabilitation program. “We’re very excited to be able to bring this service to our patients.”

The funding will be provided over a two-year period.

About Atlantic General Hospital
Atlantic General Hospital has been providing quality health care to the residents of Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset (Md.) and Sussex (Del.) counties since May 1993. Built by the commitment and generosity of a dedicated community, the hospital’s state-of-the-art facility in Berlin, Md., combines personal attention with the latest in technology and services. It provides quality specialty care such as the John H. “Jack” Burbage Regional Cancer Care Center, weight loss surgery, orthopedics, outpatient infusion for individuals with blood/autoimmune disorders, and a comprehensive women’s diagnostic center. Atlantic General Health System, its network of more than 50 primary care providers and specialists, care for residents and visitors throughout the region. For more information about Atlantic General Hospital, visit www.atlanticgeneral.org.

Photo Caption: The Maryland Community Health Services Commission presents a check for $175,000 to Atlantic General Hospital for the Chronic Pain Rehabilitation and Treatment Program. From left: Delegate Mary Beth Carozza; Senator Addie Eckardt; Dr. Allan Anderson, chairman of the Maryland Community Health Services Commission; Michael Franklin, president and CEO of Atlantic General Hospital; and Dr. Wadid Zaky, pain specialist.

###