Home » Passport Health partners with Stay Clean to aid substance use disorders

Passport Health partners with Stay Clean to aid substance use disorders

Partnership ensures critical treatment continues during public health care crisis

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Passport Health Plan announced Thursday its partnership with Kentucky-based Stay Clean to provide Medicaid members with virtual recovery support services for substance use disorders (SUD).

“The COVID-19 outbreak has created unprecedented new challenges for Kentuckians in and seeking recovery from substance use disorders,” said Scott Bowers, CEO, Passport Health Plan. “Given the severity of the addiction crisis in our communities, we simply cannot allow these services to lapse, even for a day. That’s why we’re pleased to offer our members a new way to access recovery support services, wherever they are.”

Beginning immediately, Passport members struggling with SUD will be able to participate in numerous online support groups, including Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. They’ll also have access to a repository of helpful resources and information related to SUD. The service will be available to members 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Stay Clean is an innovative cloud-based approach that connects people with virtual recovery services. People are able to access the vital support and connection to others to assist in maintaining their recovery.

“Kentucky’s overdose fatality rate is among the highest in the country, and the work we’re doing alongside Passport is critical to ensuring some of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable can access the treatment and support services they need to truly recover,” said Kevin Pangburn, chief clinical officer with Stay Clean.

Stay Clean expects that thousands of Kentuckians, including many Passport members, will be utilizing these services offered through this service. “There are 27 million people suffering from substance use disorders nationally and more than 300,000 of those people live in Kentucky,” according to Pangburn. “They need and deserve access to treatment whenever and wherever they can access it. Unfortunately, not all of them have that today.”

Stay Clean has convened several daily meetings during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. One regular attendee, Daniel H. of Louisville, uses this service regularly. “One needs to stay on top of this disease, ” said Daniel. “That’s why I’m glad to help and will be chairing meetings starting this week.”

Dustin, a resident a transitional living facility in Louisville known as Beacon House, attended his first meeting on Friday. “The meeting was really cool and its working,” he said. “Somebody like me, clean and sober for 10 months, has a real need to stay connected to recovery. Listening to a few old timers share their experience, strength and hope told me that this is all going to be OK for me as well.”

“Now more than ever, Kentuckians with substance use disorders need our support,” said Bowers. “And we’re proud to be stepping up with an innovative option to ensure that support is available whenever and wherever they need it.”