In honor of Drug-Free Pain Management Awareness Month, Touchette Regional Hospital (TRH) is encouraging the public to choose drug-free pain management over opioids or other prescription painkillers.
“The opioid and prescription drug epidemic is a battle we continue to fight,” says Sulbrena Day, PhD, chief operating officer of TRH. “There are other options available to treat chronic pain, from chiropractic care to physical therapy. At Touchette, we are committed to providing healthcare services that will build stronger, healthier futures in the communities where we live and work - this commitment includes fighting the opioid crisis.”
Opioids are a class of drugs that include legal prescription medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, fentanyl and others. Heroin, while illegal, is also a known, popular opioid.According to drugfreepaincare.org, 4 out of 5 heroin users started with prescription opioids.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 91 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. In 2015, the amount of opioids prescribed was enough for every American to be medicated around-the-clock for three weeks.
“The medical staff at TRH are experienced, dedicated individuals who ensure our patients are cared for appropriately,” added Day. “Our physical therapists, and even our behavioral health and wellness staff work selflessly day in and day out to help our patients fight their pain, in a healthy, successful way.”
In April, Gov. Bruce Rauner signed House Bill 4643, which allows consumers to pursue and begin physical therapy services without a doctor’s referral, allowing patients to receive immediate care prior to seeing a medical provider. Touchette offers physical therapy services at two convenient locations, Centreville and Sauget. Appointments can be scheduled in Centreville by calling 618.332.5450 or in Sauget at 618.337.9461.
For more information about Touchette Regional Hospital and its healthcare services, please visit www.touchette.org.
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About Touchette Regional Hospital
Touchette Regional Hospital (TRH)is a 137-bed facility that has proudly served the communities of the Metro-East for more than 60 years. TRH offers Cardiopulmonary, Laboratory, Radiology, Home Healthcare, Medical Specialty Services, Pharmacy, Transportation, Sleep Center, Physical Therapy, Senior Care Services, Start Now Breast Cancer Awareness Program, Obstetrical Services, 24-hour Emergency Department, New Vision/Substance Abuse Program, Special Needs Dentistry for children, Sleep Lab, Behavioral Health (inpatient and outpatient), Medical/Surgical/Telemetry, Intensive Care and Surgical Services (inpatient and outpatient). For more information, visit www.touchette.org.