New findings from the CDC indicate that an estimated 80,816 deaths occurred in 2021 involving opioids. The data reported demonstrates that opioid overdose presents itself as a serious public health concern. Despite this seemingly insurmountable challenge facing the community, there is hope.

Last month we shared the exciting news that Centra will be opening Virginia’s first emPATH Unit in early 2023 due to the generous donation of $1 million by an anonymous donor to the Centra Foundation. Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment and Healing Units are spaces adjacent to emergency departments where patients experiencing behavioral health crises can receive appropriate, focused care without being surrounded by the noise, stress and general busyness of a traditional emergency room.

In 1987, Bridges Treatment Center opened its doors, providing services to one of the most vulnerable of our population - children in need of behavioral health services. Over those 35 years, a consistent Value of the program has been a commitment to Service Excellence.

“Ostomy care has been a passion of mine for many years, as my own ostomy journey began in 1999 when I was diagnosed with moderate to severe Ulcerative Colitis, an autoimmune condition that causes diffuse ulcerations within the large intestine.”

Kim Kennedy, Board Certified Nurse Practitioner who runs the Ostomy Clinic at Centra Health

"As providers and caregivers, we have the most trusted job in the world... We must always go above and beyond to protect them from the harm that may befall them in the hospital." – Dr. Caesar Gonzales, VP of Medical Affairs