North Bay Medical Center clinicians tell council same‑day treatment and Suboxone options available for substance use disorders
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Summary
Dr. Alina Dorfmeister and Jesse Dorfmeister of North Bay Medical Center told the North Bend City Council they provide medication‑assisted treatment — including buprenorphine and injectable formulations — and can accept same‑day referrals from law enforcement and hospitals.
Dr. Alina Dorfmeister, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, and Jesse Dorfmeister, a primary care nurse practitioner, briefed the North Bend City Council on Oct. 27 about medication‑assisted treatment services available at North Bay Medical Center.
The presenters described buprenorphine (Suboxone) and extended‑release injectable options for opioid and alcohol use disorders, methadone services available through local ADAPT clinics, and telehealth care through Boulder Care. "We do take same day appointments," Alina Dorfmeister said, noting the clinic can start treatment at an initial primary care visit or accept referrals from law enforcement and parole officers.
The presenters said their program treats a range of substance use disorders — prescription opioids, illicit fentanyl and heroin, alcohol, and stimulants — and emphasized retention efforts and peer support partnerships. They described a strategy of encouraging return after relapse rather than penalizing patients: "If you come back... I say, yes," Dorfmeister said, explaining the clinic's approach to relapse and re‑engagement.
Councilors asked about barriers to treatment. The presenters identified stigma and prior negative experiences with medical care as primary obstacles and said many people simply do not know services exist. They described active outreach already under way with Coos County parole and sheriff's offices, and said they would accept same‑day referrals from officers and hospitals to reduce the chance a person returns to the street after release.
Council members recommended simple referral tools, such as a flyer or QR code for nonprofits, transitional housing and resource officers. The presenters agreed to provide printed materials and contact information. Councilor discussion emphasized the presence of a dedicated resource officer for North Bend and encouraged the presenters to coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions' officers for broader coverage.
The presentation closed with council members offering to assist with outreach to local nonprofits and city programs; no formal council action was taken.
