Selfrefind

Original article on Messenger-Inquirer

Spero Health, a newly formed healthcare company based in Brentwood, Tennessee, has purchased SelfRefind, which operated a Carlton Drive medication-assisted treatment clinic for people addicted to opioids.

The Owensboro facility is one of 20 outpatient clinics Spero recently bought in Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana, according to Steve Priest, Spero CEO and president. The company opened its 21st facility in Madisonville on Oct. 1.

“Owensboro, like many other communities nationwide, has been impacted by the ever-growing opioid epidemic,” Priest said. “Spero Health identifies communities based on need and resources. It is our desire to be a community partner, bringing added resources to the area to help tackle the epidemic.”

In Owensboro, future plans include a new facility, which Spero expects to build at Salem Drive and Lucky Strike Loop sometime next year. The office at 710 Carlton Drive is open and taking new patients at this time. In the coming weeks, signage will change to reflect Spero’s ownership.

Spero is a privately held company that partnered with Heritage Group, Health Velocity Capital, South Central and Frist Cressey Ventures. They invest in health-care companies.

The Spero press release said the company provides care for a total of more than 5,000 patients at its various locations, making it one of the largest office-based opioid treatment providers nationwide. The company’s growth plan is aggressive. Spero officials expect to open clinics in more states by the end of 2019.

Priest said the Owensboro office will have a treatment team of 13 health-care professionals, including three physicians, two counselors, recovery support specialists, medication managers, and laboratory and administrative support.

“Our counselors conduct both individual and group therapy designed to help individuals to build skills to sustain long-term recovery,” Priest said.

Spero participates in Kentucky Medicaid, and it is in network with Anthem, Cigna, Aetna, United Healthcare and other insurers.