Information On COVID-19 and Wellspring Programs

March 19, 2020 Wellspring Program updates:

 

Wellspring programs are open and providing treatment. We are here to help you during this stressful time.

Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our staff and our clients we are making adjustments in the way we deliver client care. All changes will be reviewed on April 6 to determine the need to discontinue or go on.  See below for current guidance on program operations:

  • Individual Outpatient services will be delivered by telephone or on an approved Video application. Clients should reach out to Wellspring to confirm their appointments and to get instructions for their next session if they haven’t already heard from their counselor. Counselors are reaching out to their clients to set up their sessions together. It is ok to call Wellspring if you haven’t heard from your counselor about your next appointment.
  • Group counseling (IOP Family and IOP Drug Court) and other groups are being contacted by their counselors. We hope to be able to provide telehealth group conferencing by next week. Stay tuned for further updates on this service.
  • New Horizon’s Detox and our other Residential programs such as Infinity House and the Mens’ and Womens’ Houses are open and operating, however there are restrictions on client movement in the community as well as incoming visits from partner agencies as well as from family and friends. These restrictions are temporary and are in place to protect our clients and staff.
  • Beds are available at New Horizons Detox: call in advance to schedule a screening and admission: 207-217-6521
  • New residents will be admitted into Infinity, Women’s and Men’s Houses per our wait list. If you are contacted about bed availability and you want to come in at that time, please know that all new incoming clients will be screened and quarantined in the facility away from other clients for their first 14 days. Clients may opt to delay their admission if they choose and will receive a follow up contact when the next bed opens or when the health crisis subsides. Note: if a client decides to wait for the next available bed, this may delay their admission by 3 to 6 months, however, it will not remove them from the wait list.
  • Residential Clients who come down with symptoms of cold, flu or Covid-19 will be isolated and tested for Covid-19. While waiting for test results the client must remained isolated (1-3 days) in a separate area of the house. If a client tests positive for Covid-19, they will be quarantined in the house with others who test positive until they are medically cleared/recovered. All clients receive medical treatment regardless of what illness they have. NOTE: clients who do not comply with in-house isolation or quarantine rules may be asked to leave the residence.
  • We respectfully ask you to help keep our locations safe for our staff and those we serve. If you are experiencing any symptoms of the cold, flu or Coronavirus at this time (fever, cough, shortness of breath) please do not come to our facilities, instead call to make inquiries and plans. 207-941-1612

March 16, 2020: Notice to Friends and Partners of Wellspring:

Effective Monday, March 16, we are implementing temporary restrictions with regard to visitors coming and going at the residential programs, as well as client movement in the community.

We recognize that family and friends have an important role to play in the healing process, but that needs to be balanced against the need to keep our clients and staff safe during this outbreak.

Therefore, per the recommendation of our medical director:

  • all visitors to residential programs will be screened and must be approved in advance.
  • all residential clients will be temporarily restricted from attending outside group activities, including 12-Step meetings. Arrangements are being made to bring volunteers in to lead groups at the residential facilities.

Additionally, Outpatient group and individual counseling clients will be screened for symptoms and all participants will be asked to wash hands or use hand sanitizer upon entry to the buildings. We are currently exploring the feasibility of setting up telehealth appointments.

More information will be forthcoming soon.

While the vast majority of people infected with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms and make a full recovery, COVID-19 can be very serious for vulnerable populations, such as those with substance use disorder -particularly those who are older or who have additional underlying health concerns. It is important to take all necessary steps to protect them.

In keeping with the CDC recommendations, Wellspring asks that you please do not visit our programs if:

  • You have a fever, cough or shortness of breath
  • If you have recently visited a travel restricted country or an area with community spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • China
  • Iran
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Most of Europe
  • If you’ve had contact with a person who has or is suspected to have Coronavirus (COVID-19)

For updated information on confirmed COVID-19 cases in Maine, visit the Division of Disease Surveillance

For questions, please call Wellspring at 207-942-1612.