Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month is a time to recognize the impact of substance use disorders and the importance of accessible, compassionate care. The 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that 48.5 million people aged 12 or older in the United States had a substance use disorder. Barriers such as stigma and limited availability of resources often prevent people from seeking help. In observance of Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month, Fidelis Care visited with Crouse Health Addiction Treatment Services (Crouse ATS) Director Monika Taylor. Crouse ATS is a 2024 Fidelis Care behavioral health grant recipient.
Fidelis Care: What is Crouse Health Addiction Treatment Services?
Monika Taylor: Crouse Health has been a leader in addiction treatment services in Central New York since 1963 and was the first provider in the region to offer methadone maintenance for the treatment of opioid use disorders. Services include Commonwealth Place, a 40-bed inpatient unit for adults 18 and older, and The Bill and Sandra Pomeroy Treatment Center, home to outpatient addiction treatment services. The Crouse ATS mission is to provide the best in addiction treatment and to support recovery by integrating physical health, mental health, and spiritual care for patients and families.
In 2024, Crouse ATS provided treatment to over 2,500 individuals from more than 15 counties throughout Central New York and beyond.
Fidelis Care: What is your message in observance of Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month?
Monica Taylor: Addiction is a chronic and progressive but treatable disease. Left untreated, it has a negative impact on the individual, family, and society. That is why we all work so hard in support of people addicted to alcohol and other substances.
Fidelis Care: Tell us about the relationship between Crouse Health Addiction Treatment Services and Fidelis Care.
Monika Taylor: Crouse ATS is committed to providing innovative, quality care to individuals with substance use disorder. Crouse appreciates Fidelis Care providing funding to enhance the treatment environment at Commonwealth Place. The funding will allow Crouse to install a pickleball court, enhance the existing basketball court, and put up raised garden beds. Gardening helps build strength, promotes sleep, and boosts mood. Engaging patients in hobbies such as gardening while in treatment enhances motivation to change and retention in treatment.
Fidelis Care: What advice do you have for family members, loved ones, or friends of those in need of treatment?
Monika Taylor: Addiction never happens in isolation. It impacts those who are emotionally close to the individual struggling with addiction. Family and loved ones are an integral part of patients’ ongoing recovery from the effects of substance use. Becoming educated and seeking out support systems are the best ways to support a loved one during the treatment and recovery process.
In 2025, Crouse ATS is expanding its services for families impacted by substance use disorder. Offerings will include individual and group services and are expected to convene in late spring.
Crouse Health Addiction Treatment Services Director Monika Taylor, MBA, LCSW, CASAC started her career at Crouse in 2005 as a therapist. She has held roles as clinical supervisor and outpatient manager and has been in the role of director since 2013. She has worked to advocate for individuals with addiction at the local, state, and federal levels.
Additional Resources
Crouse Health Addiction Treatment Services
Fidelis Care Behavioral Health Resources
Fidelis Care HealthierLife (HARP)
Community Overdose Prevention Education (NYS OASS)
Medication for Addiction Treatment (NYS OASS)