We’re thankful to partner with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation to offer substance user health programs that meet individuals where they are and support New Yorkers on their recovery journeys.
“At Anthem, we believe access to compassionate, coordinated care is essential to saving lives,” said Dr. Kristin Gill, Behavioral Health Medical Director for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. “Our partnership with Project Renewal is proof that when organizations come together, we can break down barriers and build healthier futures—one person at a time.”
Because of Anthem’s investment in our mission, Project Renewal has been able to expand HIV and hepatitis C testing and education, train additional individuals to reverse overdoses using Narcan, and offer enhanced individualized support to clients who have survived an overdose.
Together, we’re continuing to build a strong community of support that helps people both reach and sustain their wellness goals. Our interdisciplinary care team includes doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, occupational therapists (OTs), social workers, and certified peer counselors. The team is dedicated to helping individuals design personalized recovery plans that lead to success.
“First and foremost, success starts with not dying from an overdose,” Dr. Mariya Masyukova, Medical Director of Substance User Health explains. “We are here to partner with each person in working toward their own goals, which could include using more safely, reducing use or side effects by taking medication, not using drugs at all, and/or feeling more connected to themselves or their community.”
Our experienced and compassionate OTs and peer counselors understand the obstacles clients encounter and work synergistically to provide them with the tools they need. OTs help program participants replace old habits that centered substance use with new routines, skills, interests, and relationships. And clients can rely on peer counselors to help them troubleshoot everyday challenges with hands-on resources, practical strategies, and lived experience.
“When I meet a client, I tell them, ‘I may not have walked in your shoes, but I stuck my foot halfway in them.’ They know they can tell me anything,” says Robert Palmer, Senior Peer Counselor. “Once they commit to the program, I’m in touch with them every week. A recurrent overdose isn’t failure if the client keeps making progress over the long run. I see my role as planting the seeds of change.”
At Project Renewal, we know recovery is not a linear process and we’re here to support New Yorkers every step of the way. Thank you, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, for sharing our vision and for your partnership!
