Sunday, November 24, 2024
11/24/2024
The Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Aging, Adult & Behavioral Health Services will implement statewide programs to reduce opioid overdose-related deaths and unmet treatment needs for opioid use disorder (OUD) by increasing access to naloxone, medication-assisted treatment, and evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery support services to address OUD and stimulant use disorders, including cocaine and methamphetamine. Arkansas is a rural state comprised predominantly of Health Professional Shortage and Medically Underserved Areas that lack access to primary care and mental health services. The state is disproportionately impacted by abuse of illicit opioids and prescription drugs and poor access to treatment providers/facilities. Arkansas is a recipient of Prescription Drug/Opioid Overdose, State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis, and State Opioid Response grants. Treatment/prevention initiatives implemented with these grants were associated with decreased opioid prescription rates and overdose-related deaths and increase in naloxone administration. Programs to be provided will address service gaps, are potentially available to all Arkansans age 13 and older and will be implemented in accordance with National Standards on Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services. Healthcare provider and consumer education will be offered by University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) MidSOUTH Center for Prevention & Training, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Reynolds Center on Aging, and the Arkansas Collegiate Network (ACN). MAT practitioner recruitment and training will be provided by UAMS MAT Recovery Initiative for Arkansas Rural Communities (MATRIARC) program. Naloxone distribution, community prevention activities, and law enforcement personnel training will be provided by the University of Arkansas Criminal Justice Institute. The Peers Achieving Collaborative Treatment (PACT) program will be enhanced by expansion into eight additional facilities and addition of certification testing and continuing education by the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals. National Association for Addiction Professionals memberships will be provided for Peer Recovery Specialists who successfully complete training. Grant funds will also be used to create a short-term residential substance abuse program at the Lewisville Juvenile Treatment Center and offer wraparound services/recovery assistance to Arkansas Community Corrections MAT participants (bus passes, transitional housing support, Family Counseling/Unification services, and Peer Recovery Specialist support). Sustainability of implemented programs is assured by documented success and cost effectiveness of Arkansas programs that have been, and will be, implemented with federal funding – e.g., 471 lives have been saved since the Arkansas PDO Project began in 2016 and the PACT program reduced recidivism in participants released into the community, with substantial taxpayer savings.
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).
