Aspirus Health, Wausau, 2024 Community Benefits
Bridging the Gap for Substance Use Support
The partnership between Aspirus Health and Three Bridges Recovery goes beyond traditional treatment approaches; it's about offering immediate support and advocacy to those struggling with substance use issues. Aspirus contracts with Three Bridges Recovery to provide Peer Support Specialist services, including Recovery Coaching, for patients in need of substance use support.
Monica Mynsberge, Substance Use Intervention Coordinator with Aspirus Health, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration. "Three Bridges expands our ability to offer comprehensive support," says Monica. "Their services increase both availability and accessibility to various pathways of substance use recovery."
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that only about one in ten people with a substance use disorder receive treatment, highlighting the need for increased access to effective treatment programs and support services. This statistic underscores the importance of initiatives like the partnership between Aspirus Health and Three Bridges Recovery, which aim to bridge the gap and provide accessible support to individuals in need of substance use support.
Three Bridges' approach includes coaching, mentoring, accountability, and peer behavior modeling—all provided at no cost to those they serve. This service is available in Wood, Portage, Marathon, Langlade, Clark, Lincoln, Columbia & Taylor counties. "Having this level of support can be life-changing," adds Monica.
One of the key benefits of this partnership is the availability of coaches 24/7.
"Coaches are ready to respond to calls and are advocates for vulnerable patients," explains Elizabeth Walter, Executive Director of Three Bridges Recovery. "Research has shown that immediate support and advocacy during crises increase the likelihood of individuals accepting help and achieving success in their recovery journey."
This model of care isn't just about addressing immediate needs; it's about creating lasting change.
"When people feel supported and heard, they're more likely to take positive steps towards recovery," says Elizabeth. "Our goal is to empower individuals to reclaim their lives and become active participants in their communities."
Monica Mynsberge, Substance Use Intervention Coordinator with Aspirus Health, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration. "Three Bridges expands our ability to offer comprehensive support," says Monica. "Their services increase both availability and accessibility to various pathways of substance use recovery."
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that only about one in ten people with a substance use disorder receive treatment, highlighting the need for increased access to effective treatment programs and support services. This statistic underscores the importance of initiatives like the partnership between Aspirus Health and Three Bridges Recovery, which aim to bridge the gap and provide accessible support to individuals in need of substance use support.
Three Bridges' approach includes coaching, mentoring, accountability, and peer behavior modeling—all provided at no cost to those they serve. This service is available in Wood, Portage, Marathon, Langlade, Clark, Lincoln, Columbia & Taylor counties. "Having this level of support can be life-changing," adds Monica.
One of the key benefits of this partnership is the availability of coaches 24/7.
"Coaches are ready to respond to calls and are advocates for vulnerable patients," explains Elizabeth Walter, Executive Director of Three Bridges Recovery. "Research has shown that immediate support and advocacy during crises increase the likelihood of individuals accepting help and achieving success in their recovery journey."
This model of care isn't just about addressing immediate needs; it's about creating lasting change.
"When people feel supported and heard, they're more likely to take positive steps towards recovery," says Elizabeth. "Our goal is to empower individuals to reclaim their lives and become active participants in their communities."
Pride and Health: Addressing Disparities in the LGBTQ+ Community
According to a 2023 Gallup survey, the number of adults in the United States who identify as LGBTQ+ has nearly doubled in the last decade. However, despite this increase, LGBTQ+ individuals, who make up only seven percent of the population, continue to experience health challenges disproportionately.
While some health experiences may align with non-LGBTQ+ individuals, the LGBTQ+ community faces unique and serious health disparities, particularly concerning mental health.
"People within this community are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and even eating disorders as ways to cope with stress," explains Saba Khan, DO, a Family Medicine Resident Physician at Aspirus Wausau Family Medicine. The pressures of societal stigma and discrimination often lead to these mental health challenges, creating a cycle of neglect and worsening health.
In addition to mental health, physical health disparities also pose significant challenges.
"People tend to shy away from seeking health care because they feel there's a certain stigma based on their lifestyle," notes Dr. Khan. This reluctance can result in delayed diagnoses and untreated conditions.
Overcoming this barrier requires healthcare providers to cultivate trust and ensure a welcoming atmosphere. "Addressing patients by their appropriate pronouns and asking them directly about their gender or sexual orientation can help gain the patient’s trust."
For LGBTQ+ individuals, Dr. Khan advises, "Find a primary care provider you trust and feel comfortable with, and continue getting the preventive care you need."
While some health experiences may align with non-LGBTQ+ individuals, the LGBTQ+ community faces unique and serious health disparities, particularly concerning mental health.
"People within this community are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and even eating disorders as ways to cope with stress," explains Saba Khan, DO, a Family Medicine Resident Physician at Aspirus Wausau Family Medicine. The pressures of societal stigma and discrimination often lead to these mental health challenges, creating a cycle of neglect and worsening health.
In addition to mental health, physical health disparities also pose significant challenges.
"People tend to shy away from seeking health care because they feel there's a certain stigma based on their lifestyle," notes Dr. Khan. This reluctance can result in delayed diagnoses and untreated conditions.
Overcoming this barrier requires healthcare providers to cultivate trust and ensure a welcoming atmosphere. "Addressing patients by their appropriate pronouns and asking them directly about their gender or sexual orientation can help gain the patient’s trust."
For LGBTQ+ individuals, Dr. Khan advises, "Find a primary care provider you trust and feel comfortable with, and continue getting the preventive care you need."
