ABOVE PHOTO: From left to right: Dr. Todd Fausnaught, PA Medical Director for CleanSlate, Paul McDaid, Initiative Specialist for Keystone First, Andrew Maiorini, Vice President of Clinical Programs for PerformRx, Kim Beatty, Director of Provider Network Management for Keystone First, Marianne Tomarelli, Center Manager for CleanSlate, Joanne McFall, Market President for Keystone First, Meg Grant, Director of Public Affairs and Marketing for Keystone First.
Elected officials, health care professionals, and community leaders gather for grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of new treatment center
CleanSlate, a national leader in office-based opioid treatment (OBOT), has taken steps to make medication-assisted treatment more accessible in Philadelphia through a new agreement with Keystone First, a Blue Cross Medical Assistance (Medicaid) product and the largest Medicaid managed care product in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia community leaders, elected officials, and health care professionals came together to share lifesaving ideas at the ribbon cutting ceremony of CleanSlate’s recently opened South Philadelphia treatment center. The center provides immediate access to the medical group’s support and services.
Speaking at the ceremony were former United States Representative Patrick J. Kennedy, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, Pennsylvania State Senator Larry M. Farnese Jr., President and CEO of The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia Rob Wonderling, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Deputy Secretary for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Dr. Loren Robinson. The collaborative efforts of Keystone First and CleanSlate were highlighted along with their evidence-based approach to the opioid epidemic.
Dr. Loren Robinson, Deputy Secretary for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention for the Pennsylvania Department of Health, speaking at the event.
Also in attendance were Joanne McFall, Keystone First Market President; Adam McPhee, CleanSlate Eastern Divisional President of Operations; Dr. Maria Russo-Appel, CleanSlate Eastern Division Medical Director; Mark Squilla, Philadelphia City Councilman; and special guest Meg Snead, Deputy Secretary for Governor Tom Wolf.
“We treat thousands of patients in 34 centers across the country, and no two patients — or communities — are alike,” said Dr. Russo-Appel. “That’s why we offer individualized medication-assisted treatment plans that are tailored to our patients’ specific needs and care coordination services that help with external issues like housing, transportation, food, shelter, and more. We stand by our patients every step of the way. If you or someone you know needs help, the journey to recovery can start now.”
“As the opioid epidemic continues to impact the health of our members and the well-being of our communities, we must amplify prevention efforts and make treatment more accessible,” said McFall. “Through the integration of physical and behavioral health care, we look forward to working with CleanSlate to help our members on their road to recovery by treating the whole person, giving them a better opportunity to stay well.”
The new center is located at 1500 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard. It marks the group’s fourth location in the state. CleanSlate plans to open another center in Port Richmond.
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