Supporting treatment access and recovery for opioid use disorders - worcester has the 3RD highest rate of opioid-related overdose deaths in massachusetts, with a disproportionate increase among…

Supporting treatment access and recovery for opioid use disorders - worcester has the 3RD highest rate of opioid-related overdose deaths in massachusetts, with a disproportionate increase among hispanic/latino and black/african american individuals. Among those with an opioid overdose, 50% had a CO-occurring mental health disorder. Local data suggest that individuals with CO-occurring opioid use and mental health disorders (COD) compared to those with opioid use only experience greater challenges in accessing and engaging in medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and limited culturally responsive wraparound for those with a COD. This proposed program, supporting treatment access and recovery for opioid use disorder (STAR-OUD), intends to fill a program GAP by integrating MOUD with an evidence-based multicomponent wraparound approach called maintaining independence and sobriety through systems integration, outreach, and networking (MISSION) for adults with COD. The MISSION model is delivered by case management/peer support specialist teams, and systematically integrates critical time intervention case management, integrated mental health and substance use disorder treatment, peer support, vocational rehabilitation, and trauma informed care. MISSION has been extensively researched and is listed in the substance abuse and mental health service administration-national registry for evidence based practices (SAMHSA-NREPP). In this proposed project, the university of massachusetts chan medical school (UMCMS), the lead agency and evaluator, in collaboration with family health center of worcester (FHCW), a worcester clinical provider and UMCMS affiliate, aims to improve engagement in MOUD and behavioral health outcomes. The 2-case manager/peer specialist clinical teams funded through this grant will deliver MISSION services to 250 individuals (year 1=50, year 2=50, year 3=50, year 4=50, year 5=50). STAR-OUD participants will receive rapid assessment, and 12-months of culturally responsive wraparound COD treatment and support, including group therapy and community outreach. Wraparound supports will also include key linkages to community-based, state, and federal mainstream benefit programs such as the massachusetts medicaid, and state funded department of mental health and public health services. This project will also prioritize hispanic/latino and black/african american individuals who have been historically underrepresented and underserved in worcester. We anticipate that 250 individuals with a COD who receive STAR-OUD services will: 1) gain access to MOUD; 2) have fewer days of opioid use and prescription opioid misuse; 3) improvements in mental health symptoms; and 4) improved engagement in culturally responsive community/wraparound supports. This project has been developed with input from local and state agencies, providers and consumers and is consistent with massachusetts' comprehensive strategy to end opioid addiction, and statewide approach to health equity for all.