Family First Health is committed to responding to the needs of its patients and the community by providing compassionate care to those who need it the most. The opioid and heroin crisis has had a devastating impact across the nation, and in our region, resulting in a spike in drug overdose deaths, heightened risk for the spread of infectious diseases, homelessness, incarceration, and a sharp increase in the number of child protective services referrals in our counties. Families mourn the loss of loved ones, and are left questioning whether substance use treatment could have saved the life of their son, daughter, sister, mother, best friend, or partner.

The SAFER Initiative is Family First Health's substance use services program. Launched as a pilot program in our Hanover Center in August, SAFER is a two-pronged approach to identifying and responding to the needs of our patients for substance use care. Funded through two grants awarded, one by the federal government, and the other by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the program supports Family First Health in screening patients for risky or harmful substance use, and creates a pathway for patients to access the care best suited to their needs. Our designation as an "Opioid Center for Excellence," by Gov. Tom W olf, will allow us to go beyond coordinating substance use care for our patients, and enable us to actively assist patients in meeting their most basic needs including safe housing, transportation, training and employment. We know that when basic needs are consistently met, individuals have a much greater chance at sustained recovery and success.

SAFER is off to a strong start in our Hanover center with over 300 patients screened and many gaining access to substance use care. The team is positioning itself to expand services to our George Street Center in early 2017, with eventual expansion to all sites. It takes a well-coordinated team effort to combat this public health crisis.