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.
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