Willamette Valley Medical Center (WVMC) is expanding access to critical behavioral health services with the launch of START SAFE, a new inpatient program designed to provide safe, medically supervised detoxification for adults experiencing opioid and alcohol withdrawal.

The START SAFE program offers a three-to-five-day, hospital-based acute withdrawal management service for individuals in the early or impending stages of withdrawal. Delivered within WVMC, the program ensures patients receive 24/7 clinical oversight from experienced hospitalists and nursing staff in a supportive, medical environment.

“As substance use challenges continue to impact our community, START SAFE is an important step in ensuring patients have access to compassionate, medically guided care at the most critical point in their recovery journey,” said Dewane Pace, CEO. “This program not only helps stabilize patients safely, but also connects them to the ongoing support they need beyond the hospital.”

A Safe Start to Recovery

START SAFE focuses on helping individuals safely navigate the physical challenges of withdrawal while preparing them for continued treatment. The program:

  • Provides round-the-clock medical care during detox
  • Utilizes evidence-based protocols and medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and improve comfort
  • Requires voluntary admission and patient commitment to completing the stabilization process

A Pathway to Continued Care

Recognizing that detox is the first step in recovery, START SAFE emphasizes a seamless transition to community-based treatment. Each patient receives:

  • A telephone pre-screening and in-person assessment
  • Inpatient acute withdrawal management
  • Individualized discharge planning
  • Post-discharge follow-up support

Participants are expected to remain in the program until medically stable and to actively engage in ongoing treatment following discharge.

Accessing START SAFE

START SAFE is available to adults who require medical management of alcohol and/or opioid withdrawal. Most insurance plans are accepted, including Regence BlueCross BlueShield, Medicare, and Medicaid. To learn more or begin the pre-screening process, individuals can call 503.434.6000.

About Willamette Valley Medical Center

Willamette Valley Medical Center (WVMC) is a 60-bed acute-care, full-service facility, accredited by The Joint Commission and certified as an accredited Chest Pain Center by ACC Accreditation Services, the accrediting arm of the American College of Cardiology, and nationally recognized care for hip fracture treatment by healthgrades.

For over 120 years, WVMC has served as the region’s leading provider of healthcare services and plays a critical role in advancing care for our patients and their families. Since our founding, we have been driven by the idea that great communities deserve great healthcare. Our team is united by a mission of making communities healthier and ensuring quality care is more than just a set of clinical criteria – it is a way of life, encompassing everything we do.  Combined with great care, WVMC is also investing resources locally in programs, such Henderson House, YCAP, Habitat for Humanity, and many more that are supporting individuals and families and creating positive community impact.