October 2, 2003
NR-03-009
 
RAND AND AEGIS ARE LAUNCHING A N.I.D.A. STUDY TO TREAT THE “PARTNERS”
(i.e., “SIGNIFICANT OTHERS”) OF METHADONE PATIENTS

Canoga Park, California – In a significant development for the addiction treatment field, Aegis Medical Systems, Inc. is excited to announce its collaborative effort with The Rand Corporation, of Santa Monica, California, to help reduce relapse rates among patients treated by narcotic replacement programs (“NTPs”). Designed by Dr. Martin Iguchi, the study offers free treatment to “significant others” and compares relapse and retention rates among patients whose “partners” enter treatment.

“We believe a major factor in reducing relapse rates among patients is their continuing involvement with addicted ‘partners’. Their exposure to ‘peer pressure’ and the act of changing their social lives are significant factors in the recovery of patients,” states Michael Seifert, R.N., M.H.A., Aegis Director of Operations. He further concluded that: “The ‘Partners’ Study could be a major breakthrough for relapse prevention.”

Aegis Medical Systems, Inc., operates one of the largest chains of narcotic treatment programs in the nation. Headquartered in Canoga Park California, Aegis has 26 clinics throughout the state serving over 5,500 patients per day. For the last six years, Aegis has focused its efforts on raising clinical standards and regulatory compliance. Since 2000, Aegis has allocated significant resources to the training of its 300 employees, and to the development of new and more effective treatment policies, protocols and procedures, as well as expanded its Scope of Practice to address the various medical, mental and socio-economic needs of its patients. 

Aegis is also supporting the successful recover of its patients through its Patient Advocacy and Advisory Group (PAAG), Keys To Recovery (K2R) support groups, as well as commissioned offices for an Ombudsman, General Counsel, and Legislative Analyst (Jim Gonzalez & Associates). Additionally, Aegis has participated in pharmaceutical and behavioral research studies with other leading institutions (e.g., NIDA, Johnson & Johnson, Bayer, Rand Corporation, Friends Research, etc.) 

The Aegis Family of Corporations includes Aegis Medical Systems, Inc., Aegis Institute, Inc. (a non-profit organization), and Nationwide Medical Group, Inc. (a professional corporation).


Contact Persons

Priscilla Shrader, Executive Assistant
Aegis Medical Systems, Inc.
(818) 206-0360

Michael Seifert, R.N., M.H.A., Director of Operations
Aegis Medical Systems, Inc.
(818) 206-0360


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