Monday, February 6, 2023
2/6/2023
The CT Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (DMHAS), in partnership with two treatment providers in two urban Connecticut communities (Hartford/East Hartford and New Britain/Bristol) where opioid use is at epidemic levels, proposes to launch the PROUD Initiative: Parents Recovering from Opioid Use Disorders. Population data from these communities reveal disproportionate racial, social and economic disparities as compared to other areas of CT. This results in adverse health effects for pregnant and postpartum women (PPW) and PPW with substance use disorders (especially opioids), who are at higher risk for experiencing treatment barriers. Participation in the PROUD initiative is expected to lead to reduced health disparities, including decreased substance use, criminal justice involvement, and HIV risk behaviors. Improved housing, employment outcomes, family functioning and involvement in social networks are anticipated to support the recovery journey of PPW and participating family members. The community will be engaged through a public health campaign aimed at reducing stigma and increasing knowledge around addiction. Healthcare professionals will be offered educational opportunities to better understand and screen for SUD and provide treatment referrals to PPW. The PROUD service model will utilize evidence-based practices, recovery coaching, prenatal health and parenting education, support and modeling, and offer additional social services as indicated. Substance use, physical and mental health assessments, education and referrals will be provided to all participants, including children and family of the PPW. Primary features of the initiative will include easy accessibility through telehealth and in-home support and individualization of services based on the assessed needs and preferences of each family. We will engage 480 PPW (i.e., 120 in year 1; 180 in each of years 2 and 3), including their children, partners, and other family members, into this team-based and community/mobile service model. The two PROUD site teams will include a combination of clinical, medical, case management and peer staff. The specific team makeups will vary by site which is anticipated to allow for comparative analysis of client outcomes associated with team arrangement. Connecticut has considerable momentum to implement this project given the many collaborating partners and synchronous initiatives. CT's Department of Children and Families (DCF) will be a key partner, especially as it relates to the planned media campaign on PPW and substance-exposed infants. The PROUD Initiative will also support DCF with the full implementation of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) including the development of Plans of Safe Care with all pregnant participants. The CT Department of Public Health (DPH) will partner on needed data analyses to inform this work. DMHAS will embark on information systems infrastructure changes in order to allow for ongoing data collection specific to PPW with substance use disorders. An existing needs assessment and statewide strategic plan from the SEI/NASD project will be modified and enhanced specifically for the PROUD Initiative.
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).
