Axiom Care makes investment in Apache Junction but will serve clients from throughout the Greater Phoenix area.
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
Christine Stevens, Axiom Care CEO, knows first-hand the importance of getting the help you need when trying to kick a drug addiction.
“I was one of the lucky ones and got into treatment and was able to turn my life around,” said Ms. Stevens at the recent groundbreaking of the expansion of the Ocotillo Community Campus, an Arizona-based addiction treatment and medical detox center at 150 N. Ocotillo Drive in Apache Junction.
And it is why she is eager to begin construction on the center that will feature 24 detox units and 36 in-recovery treatment rooms, as well as outpatient services and activities in addition to the 24 detox recovery units and outpatient operations housed on the campus, according to a press release.
Axiom Care seeks to
serve those looking to recover
According to Christie MacMurray, adult system of care administrator with Mercy Care, people working toward recovery often encounter barriers to care and services that often get in the way, such as transportation, treatment sites not conveniently located or safe, or accessible transitional housing.
“The Ocotillo Community Campus will reduce or eliminate those barriers,” she said. “That’s a critically important piece for people getting started on their path to recovery. And it’s one we’re proud to support through our relationship with Axiom Healthcare.”
On Oct. 1, Mercy Care expanded its services to all of Pinal County, in addition to Gila and Maricopa Counties, as part of its new AHCCCS Complete Care-Regional Behavioral Health Agreement contract.
According to Axiom Care owner Vern Johnson, construction of this larger facility means Ocotillo is a true “recovery campus,” with an emphasis on a continuum of care that has been proven to be beneficial for patients in recovery. In addition to inpatient and outpatient services, the new facility will include a gym, rec room and group therapy meeting rooms.
Along with the construction of the new building, a remodel of a third building will allow for urgent care and administrative office space. The kitchen facilities located in the Phase I property will serve the entire campus, and dining rooms will accommodate each level of care.
The general contractor for this $5 million project is Equi-Team, with architectural design services provided by design point architects. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
“The Ocotillo Community Campus is predicated on the belief that effective and sustained recovery happens when supportive wrap-around services through all levels of care are delivered in a co-located site,” said Ms. Stevens. “Although the first-of-its-kind in Pinal County, this campus will provide service to clients from throughout the Greater Phoenix area.”
