Thursday, April 18, 2024
4/18/2024
Overall, the number of opioid overdose deaths in Massachusetts rose 567% between 2000 (379 deaths) and 2016 (2149 deaths). As a result of recent state legislation , a variety of government data sets are now linked and analyzed to help better understand the opioid epidemic, inform policy and programming. With SOR funding the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the applicant organization, will serve individuals affected by the opioid crisis, specifically targeting the highest risk populations including individuals between the ages of 25-44, ethnic and racial minorities, pregnant and parenting women, persons with history of incarceration, persons with co-occurring disorders, individuals experiencing homelessness, and veterans. We seek to serve 11,420 individuals annually over the two-year project period through implementing the following activities: 1) Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution expansion in high-priority communities with a significant opioid overdose problem; 2) Post-overdose follow-up initiative to provide in-person, home-based outreach and support after 911 calls for an overdose, and offer assistance accessing other available services; 3) HIV outbreak response targeting people who inject drugs, including screening, prevention education, and referrals to treatment and services; 4) Office Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT) expansion to six community-based sites to engage high-risk, high-need populations; 4) Treatment and recovery support services for individuals with criminal justice involvement that includes MAT induction, treatment and recovery planning, and post-release linkages to services and recovery support, case management and recovery coaching; 5) Programming targeting pregnant and parenting women and their dependent children and families that includes wrap-around supports, peer recovery coaching, and access to MAT; 6) Expand the Access to Recovery program which facilitates client choice by providing coordinated, voucher-based options to support sustained recovery; and 6) Collaborative and transitional program models to increase access to MAT and bridge gaps in care and services. We also propose to: 7) Enhance existing state data analysis and reporting capabilities and improve web-based platforms to disseminate timely and accurate information to address the opioid crisis; 8) Implement wide-spread workforce development capacity building and training activities targeting a variety of sectors and audiences; and 9) Develop and expand on strategic communication and media campaigns targeting high-risk populations and high-need geographic regions in the Commonwealth to increase knowledge about addiction, decrease stigma, and improve awareness on how to prevent overdose and how to access treatment and recovery supports. We anticipate the MA SOR grant activities will improve, expand and enhance access to treatment, support sustained recovery, and prevent opioid misuse, abuse and overdose to achieve life-saving results.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
