The substance use navigator program (sun) addresses substance misuse by partnering navigators with first responders, to engage people with substance use needs with service and treatment

The service provider for sun is denver health outpatient behavioral health services (OBHS), which operates a 24/7 treatment on demand clinic. In addition to the human service aspect, the program alleviates first responder/crisis resources. The sun program partners navigators with first responders to engage people with substance use needs into services and treatment. In addition, the grant program seeks to alleviate first responder/crisis resources. Upon contact, a clinical and/or peer navigator screens and assesses clients for risks and needs and creates linkages to service referrals, as appropriate. Navigators provide assessment and intake, determine appropriate treatment levels, and connect those who require an immediate and warm hand-off to substance abuse treatment (including transportation and temporary lodging, as appropriate). The goals of the sun program are to preventunnecessary incarceration and/or hospitalization of people with behavioral health conditions, providealternative care in the least restrictive environment through a coordinated system-wide approach, preventduplication of behavioral health services, and facilitatethe return of law enforcement units to patrol activities