Queen of Peace Center (QOPC), established in the City of St. Louis 33 years ago, to break the cycle of substance use disorders (SUD) for women, children and families through family-centered behavioral healthcare, will respond to the current opioid epidemic and subsequent public health risks by reducing heroin and opiate use problems for women seeking treatment through its QMAT Medication Assisted Treatment program, located in the urban core of the City of St. Louis.QMAT will provide services to 60 unduplicated women in years 1-3, with a total of 180 unduplicated clients who would not have access to services without this expanded funding. Further, QMAT’s expansion will increase outreach efforts to homeless shelters, streets and jails.QMAT will accomplish its overarching purpose through the following, quantified goals and objectives:
Goal 1:, Increase number of clients with OUD served, engaged, and retained through MAT expansion-Obj. 1.1, 60 clients will be provided MAT annually for a total of 180 over the 3-year project period; Obj. 1.2, 60% of clients enrolled in MAT will be retained in treatment and/or support services for 6 months; Obj. 1.3, 100% of clients will engage with a Certified Peer Specialist; Obj. 1.4, 100% of clients needing interpreting/translation services will have access to interpreting/translation services.
Goal 2: Improve behavioral and physical health outcomes for individuals with OUD through MAT expansion-Obj. 2.1, 60% of clients enrolled in MAT will reduce substance use/ maintain abstinence over 6 months; Obj. 2.2, 60% of clients will reduce illicit opioid drug use and prescription opioid misuse by 6-month follow up as demonstrated through UDS; Obj. 2.3, 60% of clients in MAT will demonstrate improved functioning by 6-month follow up as evidenced by an increase in DLA-20 score; Obj. 2.4, 100% of participants that are not covered will apply/enroll in eligible benefits programs, including health coverage, food stamps, social security programs, etc; Obj 2.5, 100% of participants in need of medical or psychiatric care, will be liked to a provider for an evaluation.
Goal 3:, Increase number of individuals with OUD in wraparound, community-based, and recovery support services provided through MAT expansion-Obj. 3.1, 60% of clients will obtain safe, supportive housing (including recovery housing) when needed, by 12 months after enrollment.; Obj. 3.2, 70% of clients will improve social connection through community sober support (e.g. AA, NA, Celebrate Recovery).; Obj. 3.3, 60% of clients with identified need for employment will either be connected with employment, education or resources for employment education within 6 months of beginning MAT; Obj. 3.4, 60% of participants will experience either decreased criminal justice involvement or avoid re-incarceration at 6-month follow up.