Behavioral Health – Substance Abuse Treatment & Overdose Prevention

Project Description

The ARPA Behavioral Health Substance Abuse Treatment and Overdose Prevention program was created to enhance and expand overdose prevention efforts and increase access to substance use treatment services. The rate of overdoses rose during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lack of access to treatment has further exacerbated challenges for people dealing with the use of alcohol, fentanyl, cocaine, and other drugs in finding their path to recovery. This program improves access to care and increases community-based prevention efforts through substance use screenings, MAT services, enhanced care coordination efforts, community education, as well as integrated behavioral health services.

The Behavioral Health Substance Abuse Treatment and Overdose Prevention program is administered by four subrecipients:

  • Cenikor Foundation is expanding access to Medication-Assisted Treatment MAT services, peer recovery support, and recovery housing.
  • The Council on Recovery provides Outreach, Screening, Assessment, and Referral (OSAR) services, as well as training on overdose prevention and the use of naloxone.
  • Houston Recovery Center provides care coordination services increasing access to treatment and recovery housing, substance use prevention education, facilitates community-based support groups, and naloxone distribution and education.
  • Santa Maria Hostel, in partnership with Baylor College of Medicine, implements the I-CARE Clinic to expand access to physical healthcare, psychiatric care, and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment utilizing an integrated care approach.

PRIMARY PARTNERSHIPS

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The Council on Recovery, Santa Maria Hostel, Houston Recovery Center, and Cenikor Foundation outreach strategies aim to reach individuals needing substance use disorder (SUD) services through:

  • Targeted outreach at community centers, assistance ministries, shelters, judicial partners, and specialty court sites
  • Program websites, social media campaigns, and digital promotions
  • Participation in community events and collaboration with local partners and organizations
  • Media coverage in local radio stations, news, and others

TARGET IMPACT

Target Goals Include:

  • Increase the number of people accessing SUD treatment
  • Increase the number of individuals trained on overdose prevention and use of naloxone
  • Connect individuals to recovery housing
  • Increase number of care coordination connections

USE OF EVIDENCE & PROGRAM EVALUATIONS

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, SUD-related deaths in Harris County have increased across four categories: alcohol, fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamines. Harris County has higher drug and opioid-involved overdose deaths than the Texas average and the highest rates of drug arrests and prosecutions in the state. Additionally, gaps in care services highlight the need for prevention services and connecting residents to available services.

PHOTOS