Page 46 - BusinessWest September 19, 2022

HEALTHCARE HEROES OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
asked how she got into this specific line of work and what she likes about her work with this constituency, she said simply, “being able to help and care for people who aren’t used to being helped and cared for — building that connection
“One thing I’ve learned in
this process is that everyone’s recovery is different. You have to listen to the patient to understand what they’re looking for in their recovery. By listening to them, I’ll know what ki”nd of direction I can give them.
and that rapport and making sure they know there is someone there who cares.”
The ACS is comprised of a nurse practitioner,
a certified addictions nurse, a recovery-support coordinator, and recovery coaches. And, as noted, it is a collaborative effort, involving partners such as Tapestry Health, the Gándara Center (which employs the recovery coaches), River Valley Counseling Center, Hope for Holyoke, and the Holyoke Health Center. Together, these agencies are working to reduce opioid overdoses and help
people like Hamel find a path to a better life.
The positive results of their efforts can be seen — and heard — with people like Patrick Hamel and countless others like him.
The Power of Hope
John Martinez’s battle against addiction was and is very similar to Hamel’s.
He described several stints of incarceration, homelessness, and, by his count, four suicide attempts.
He’s been sober now for 13 years and has spent the last several as a certified recovery coach, helping others find the strength and conviction to change their lives, as well as needed referrals and direction. The process starts simply with providing hope that
life can get better, he said, adding that this isn’t all that coaches provide, but it may well be the most important thing.
Recovery coach John Martinez says that, among other things, he provides those he counsels with the hope that life can get better.
“I remember being hopeless — I
know what that’s like,” he recalled.
“One thing I’ve learned in this process is that everyone’s recovery is different. You have to listen to the patient to understand what they’re looking for in their recovery. By listening to them, I’ll know what kind of direction I can give them.”
As noted, recovery coaches are part of the team
at the Comprehensive Care Center, and part of a broad, collaborative effort that has come together at a critical time for the Greater Holyoke area.
Indeed, while much of the focus the past few years has been on the pandemic, and understandably so, addiction has only become
Dedication is Strong Medicine
John Martinez; Lauren Carpenter, RN, CARN; Maria Quinn, MSN, PMHNP-BC; Eddie Rodriguez CARC
Congratulations to the 2022 Healthcare Heroes!
We are especially proud to recognize the Holyoke Medical Center Addiction Consult Service.
Holyoke Medical Center • Holyoke Medical Group Holyoke VNA Hospice Life Care • River Valley Counseling Center
HolyokeHealth.com
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2022 HEALTHCARE HEROES