Project PAW (positive affirmation at work) - pillar proposes to implement project PAW (positive affirmation at work) to enhance the current overdose and prevention activities and to help control the…

Project PAW (positive affirmation at work) - pillar proposes to implement project PAW (positive affirmation at work) to enhance the current overdose and prevention activities and to help control the spread of infectious diseases and the consequences of such diseases for individuals with, or at risk of developing, a substance use disorders (SUD). Project PAW will effectively distribute FDA-approved overdose reversal medication; overdose education, counseling, and health education; and linkage to infectious diseases treatment. The goals of this program are to increase the number of persons receiving overdose prevention services and decrease illicit drug use and prescription opioid misuse among individuals receiving harm reduction services from pillar. Project PAW will reach its goal by increasing the number of persons receiving mat services; screening for fentanyl as part of routine clinical visits from their community health clinic; increasing HIV, STI, and hepatitis screenings; and develop a naloxone distribution program to include placing a harm reduction vending machine at their primary location. Project PAW will also establish border harm reduction action committee which will be integral with the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the project and in accomplishing the following smart objectives: - by 5/29/23 and ongoing, review and improve current infrastructure, workforce development, partnerships, and policy/procedures to effectively execute the project. - by 08/30/22, project PAW will begin outreach and enrollment activities and project promotion, targeting minority - individuals with or at risk for SUD. - by 5/29/25, project PAW will have provided 500 individuals (100 persons in year 1; 200/YR for years 2 - 3) at risk for SUD with harm reduction and support services. - by the end of each contract year, evaluator will assess program effectiveness, ensure quality of services provided, identify successes, and implement needed improvements to accomplish these goals and fulfill the purpose of the grant, pillar will implement the following evidence-based interventions: motivational interviewing (MI), seeking safety, samhsa's practical tools for prescribing and promoting buprenorphine in primary care setting (2021), and samhsa tip 63: medications for opioid use disorder for healthcare and addiction professionals, policymakers, patients, and families. Pillar will also assign/hire experienced and competent staff that includes a project director, two intervention specialist, one peer support worker, external evaluator, and a clerk.