H.A.S. Nexa mat program for persons with opioid use disorders and CO-occurring mental disorders - healthcare alternative systems, INC., will expand outpatient methadone assisted treatment services…

H.A.S. Nexa mat program for persons with opioid use disorders and CO-occurring mental disorders - healthcare alternative systems, INC., will expand outpatient methadone assisted treatment services in combination with mental health services for adults with opioid use disorder and CO-occurring mental disorders. Over the five-year project period, the nexa mat program will serve 400 individuals in the city of chicago, with a focus on communities of color. Program goals include increasing access to care among the population of focus and improving participant outcomes related to illicit substance use (opioid and non-opioid), opioid-related overdoses, mental health symptoms, housing stability, and employment. Strategies to expand access to care will include: :: hiring additional addiction counselors and on-site therapists; :: hiring case managers; :: contracting for additional physician hours to complete admission prerequisites; and :: conducting outreach among the population of focus. Strategies to improve participant outcomes will include: :: providing evidence-based, trauma-informed, person-centered services; :: prescribing methadone to participants with opioid use disorder; :: providing individualized and group counseling and therapy; :: integrating the principles of harm reduction; :: providing recovery support services; and :: addressing the social determinants of health.