Thursday, November 21, 2024
11/21/2024
The CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), is looking to build upon the existing infrastructure established in the first PPW program, Parents Recovering from Opioid Use Disorder (PROUD). The next round of PROUD funding will allow continuation of existing services as well as support expansion to the Greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas. Population data from these communities reveal high rates of opioid use, as well as disproportionate racial, social, and economic disparities as compared to other areas of CT. Pregnant and Parenting Women/Birthing Persons (PPW) in these communities experience adverse health consequences, trauma, and stigma, leading to additional barriers accessing behavioral health, peer recovery, and medical services. 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 PROUD service model will utilize evidence-based practices including recovery coaching, prenatal health, parenting education, and trauma support. Substance use, physical and mental health assessments, education and referrals will be provided to all participants, including children and families of the PPW. Primary features of the initiative will include easy accessibility through office-based, telehealth, and/or in-home support and individualization of services based on the assessed needs and preferences of each family. We will engage 500 PPW (i.e., 130 in year 1; 185 in each of years 2 and 3), including their children, partners, and other family members, into this team-based community model. The three PROUD site teams will include a combination of clinical, case management, and peer staff. PROUD teams will also engage in expansive community outreach to educate medical, behavioral health, and other social service partners on the PROUD model and develop a pathway for streamlined referrals into the program. The community will be engaged through public health campaigns aimed at reducing stigma, increasing knowledge around addiction best practices and outlining resources and support services. In partnership with the CT Hospital Association and the CT Women's Consortium, healthcare professionals will be offered access to diverse educational opportunities with the goal of increasing knowledge of SUD, the impact of stigma, screening best practices, and reducing healthcare disparities. Connecticut has considerable momentum to continue and expand 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 Family Care Plans with all pregnant participants. An existing needs assessment and statewide strategic plan from the Substance Exposed Pregnancy Initiative CT 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).
