Sunday, May 18, 2025
5/18/2025
OUR WestCare MATTERS - WestCare California, Inc.’s proposed program, OUR WestCare MATTERS, will expand access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for underserved populations in Fresno County, California. Specifically, the program will target Latinx and Black male and female adults (18 and over) who have a prescription drug and opioid addiction disorder (PDOA). To meet eligibility criteria for this program, participants must: 1) have a moderate to severe opioid use disorder (OUD); 2) be motivated to benefit from MAT and recovery support services (RSS); and 3) be enrolled concurrently in a residential or outpatient substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program, either at WestCare or another treatment provider. The program will have multiple pathways of entry, including WestCare’s existing programs for outpatient and residential SUD treatment and withdrawal management. External referral sources will include emergency departments at local hospitals, drug courts, and corrections institutions. The geographic catchment area targets Fresno County but will also serve participants coming to Fresno for treatment from nearby neighboring counties. The program will include a full complement of MAT services in both outpatient and residential settings in combination with comprehensive OUD psychosocial services, recovery support services (RSS), and other clinically appropriate supports for individuals to achieve and maintain abstinence from opioids. OUR WestCare MATTERS will serve 50 participants each in years one and two, 75 participants each in years three and four, and 100 participants in year five, for a total of 350 participants served over the five-year grant term. The program will utilize FDA-approved medications, including buprenorphine/naltrexone, oral naltrexone, injectable naltrexone, and extended-release injectable subcutaneous buprenorphine. The appropriate medication will be prescribed by WCCA’s DATA-waivered prescribers based on a comprehensive clinical assessment and diagnosis. The primary goals of the program, each with measurable objectives, are: 1) Increase the number of individuals receiving FDA-approved medications for the maintenance treatment of OUD in Fresno County, California; 2) Decrease illicit opioid use and prescription opioid misuse; and 3) Improve participant outcomes by combining MAT with comprehensive psychosocial and peer recovery support services (RSS).
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).