Citation
R Paradise, A Pinkhover, G Cooper, J Wright, A Lundi, “Strategies for engaging and retaining vulnerable patients in OUD treatment programs”, Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers: Community Health Institute 2021 (virtual panel presentation)
Abstract
With its Saving Lives, Improving Health grant program, RIZE Massachusetts funded four organizations to improve access to low-threshold, evidence-based treatment for populations at high risk for opioid overdose and death. Grantees included three community health centers and one community-based behavioral health care center. Grantees designed and implemented innovative programs to engage and retain vulnerable populations in OUD treatment, with focus on homeless individuals and people reentering the community after incarceration. In this presentation, the program evaluator and representatives from grantee organizations will describe the models and strategies employed and their impact. They will also share successful practices and lessons learned around approaching and engaging vulnerable populations with a harm reduction approach and initiating and retaining patients in treatment. Finally, the presenters will share barriers they encountered and recommendations related to staffing, sustainability, stigma, collaboration with partner agencies, and implementing OUD treatment programs in Urgent Care settings.
