UVA Health and The Haven partner for new program

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - UVA Health and The Haven are partnering to improve opioid-use disorder care.

“Our hope really is for everyone to receive non-judgmental, non-coercive care that is really unique to their needs. And I think ultimately, that has a very positive impact on that person,” said The Haven’s community engagement manager, Ocean Aiello.

The S.M.A.R.T program stands for street medicine, access, reduction, and treatment.

“It is a clinic that offers a holistic, person-centered approach to treating opioid use disorder and other addictions,” said UVA Health psychiatrist, Dr. Nassima Ait-Daoud Tiouririne.

To make this happen, UVA Health will have a physician, nurse, and social worker make a visit to the Haven once a week.

“First, it will start with a brief screening to really assess each individual’s unique needs, then from there, if the individual is comfortable, we will go to a full assessment and a full assessment will really go in details in all the different needs,” said Dr. Tiouririne.

The team will work on providing counseling services, behavioral therapy, medication that targets cravings, and referring patients to resources to help get engaged with training. The Haven says this is a perfection addition that aligns with its missions of serving the unhoused community.

“Our ultimate goal is how do we help people live fuller, healthier lives, right?” Aiello said. “I think that those goals really aligned well with this clinic in particular.”

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