Rely Health understands first-hand the impact that substance abuse has on families, because we have experienced the pain ourselves. Our team understands the impact that substance use has on the health system and communities, because we’ve worked in them for many years. We understand what it takes to be in the role of a navigator — one who witnesses trauma, crisis, despair, and the harrowing aftermath of drug and alcohol use daily. We praise our brave team members who endure these scenes and foster emotions that extend from these scenes, in effort to just hopefully provide a glimmer of inspiration and hope to families and individuals living with substance use.
“My name is David. I am a Substance Use Navigator (SUN) with Rely Health. My career in the Substance Use field began about 10 years ago for a small treatment program in Upland, CA. During the past 10 years, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to hold roles in the administrative and clinical spaces of the substance use field. I can truly say that the SUN role here at Rely Health has been the most satisfying and enriching of all my experiences thus far! As human beings, it is important to find one’s purpose in life — the central motivating factors that aim your life’s direction, the reason you get up in the morning.
To me, recovery is much more than relapse prevention, exercising coping skills, and learning how to control consumption. Recovery is a process that sets individuals on a journey of self-discovery. A journey that aids in finding one’s purpose — one that guides life decisions, influences behaviors, shapes goals — that eventually leads to that self-discovery.
To me, there is very little that is more enriching than to hear that my patient that I supported, I guided, was patient with, and that I navigated toward the right direction in such a complicated ecosystem that is healthcare, is now doing well and thriving in life. That is what brings meaning and purpose to my life — to help others see their purpose and go for it! My SUN role comes full circle in that fulfillment, and for that, I am grateful.
I’ve had the pleasure to work with a gentleman over the past two months. Here is our story:
The patient is unhoused and has been frequenting the ER for multiple complications in health issues due to his substance use. Two hospital visits ago, he was admitted for an overdose. After spending some time with this individual and discussing treatment options, he decided to return to the streets rather than accept treatment for his substance use. Two weeks ago, he was brought into the ER by social work where he again had medical complications due to his substance use. I met with him again, along with social work, and we coordinated for him to enter into an inpatient program. I’m happy to report that, despite the challenges the streets present, this patient was motivated and determined to make a change. It was reported to me that he’s staying the course and doing well in treatment. MAT (medication assisted treatment) works!
Another patient impact story I’d like to share:
We had a young lady present to the ER recently for Meth[amphetamine] withdrawals. Although she’s only in her 20s, she has a prolific 10+ year history of polysubstance use. Her original intention was to see a provider for withdrawal management. After her meeting with the care team in the ER, she and her aunt worked with me as we started having patient-centered conversations about where she was currently in her life, but more so, where she wanted to be in her life. The conversations went well, involving lots of Motivational Interviewing. She shared stories of her upbringing and how she feels it played a direct role in her substance use. Through mutual agreement, she agreed that an Inpatient Residential program might be her best option. Her insurance situation was challenging and was about to term. I was able to work with her family member to cover her COBRA premium while she is in treatment. Witnessing a patient’s true excitement about the next step and what life could look like in recovery is very fulfilling. We’re so very blessed to be able to be a part of facilitating change for those that are struggling.”
Individuals struggling with substance use, and this goes for really any struggle in life, must be ready to accept and move forward on their own terms. Rely Health navigators never pressure anyone to unwillingly accept treatment or resources, because they have to be willing and ready — empowered — in order to make the best of their own health journey. Our navigators are well-versed in Motivational Interviewing, providing emotional support, knowledge of algorithms of medication assisted treatment options, and harnessing patience and resilience (two very widely utilized learnings). Several of our navigators are peer supporters, meaning they have been through many of the struggles their patients have faced or are currently facing first-hand and can directly relate to their patients on an unmatched level.
Rely Health is extremely proud of the work our navigators do day-in and day-out alongside patients in what are likely some of the most scary and critical turning points in their lives. Some are in the hospital for medical complications, for experiencing seemingly unwavering extreme withdrawal symptoms, and unfortunately, sometimes upon overdosing and death. We employ navigators and deploy virtual navigation programs that support broad spectrum navigation — the full gambit of social and medical services — so that not one person walks the path of health and recovery alone.
Join Rely Health in fostering empowerment and change. Advocate for understanding and support for individuals facing the challenges of substance use. Spread awareness about the crucial role Substance Use Navigators play in guiding lives towards recovery. Together, we can ensure that no one walks the path of health and recovery alone.
click this link to find and Program Summary of our Substance Use Navigation Program
