Bangor, Maine – April 20, 2022
The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) launched the Pain and Addiction Care in the Emergency Department Accreditation (PACED) program to provide hospitals with a standardized approach for pain and substance use disorder and to acknowledge those emergency departments that recognize the need for prompt, safe, and effective pain and substance use disorder management.
St. Joseph Healthcare has recently been awarded a level three PACED accreditation, making them the first hospital in the state to receive this level of accreditation. Ina Hunt, MD, Keri Kapaldo, RN, SAFE RN, and Katie Roberts, RN, have been recognized as inter-disciplinary leaders at St. Joseph for their work with various teams across the hospital to provide focused care for those suffering with pain and addiction.
“As COVID cases rose, we saw an escalating need for substance use care and education in our community, as well as collaboration with organizations and resources in the community,” said Dr. Hunt. This accreditation affirms our commitment to addressing pain while minimizing the use of opioid medications.”
Receiving the PACED accreditation aligns with the mission of St. Joseph Healthcare, to provide healing care for the whole person in service to all in our communities. It also represents a commitment to the highest standards for patient care for those needing pain and addiction treatment.
To learn more about the PACED Accreditation at St. Joseph Healthcare, visit: Emergency Department.
If you or someone you know need substance use care or support, please contact the St. Joseph Substance Use Disorder Clinic at (207) 907-3100. For statewide resources, you can visit knowyouroptions.me or text your zip code to 898-211.
