Sunday, November 24, 2024
11/24/2024
The East Tennessee Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Center addresses the epidemic of prescription drug and opioid addiction for adults living in the healthcare shortage areas of Appalachian Tennessee through the expansion and enhancement of treatment services capacity. The Center will provide a recovery-oriented system of care and a vast continuum of harm reduction, treatment and recovery support services. Over a four year period, the treatment capacity expansion is expected to serve an additional 375 adults who are un/underinsured and unable to afford quality services through alternate means. The national opioid crisis has had an unequivocal impact on the rural Appalachian areas of East Tennessee. Higher rates of poverty, in combination with a historical shortage of outpatient medical providers, lack of public transportation in the region and stigma surrounding substance use and co-occurring mental health issues has created disproportionate disparities in access to care. The program’s goal is to address those disparities and alleviate unmet needs of individuals struggling with an Opioid Use Disorder who have otherwise been unable to access quality care. Specific focus will be placed upon timely, low-barrier access to MOUD services in underserved counties and access to recovery support services to address SAMHSA’s Four Dimensions of Recovery. Priority populations include IV drug users, pregnant and post-partum women, individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders and those transitioning into the community from incarceration. A Recovery-oriented, trauma-informed and equity-based approach will be utilized via an integrated services team consisting of a Physician, Nurse Practitioner, RN, Recovery Specialist/Case Manager, Peer Recovery Specialist and a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Supervisor. Center participants will have access to comprehensive substance use and co-occurring treatment services, including coverage of medication, outpatient therapy, detox and residential services, and intensive case management. Harm reduction services will provide HIV/HCV testing and Naloxone distribution and recovery support services will be provided through a network of recovery support specialists. While approved medications will be used to address the physiological components of addiction, the Community Reinforcement Approach and Assertive Continuing Care will address the psycho-social determinants and will teach clients and families how to build the recovery skills needed to support positive change and strengthen the individual’s natural support system. The program will result in the following positive outcomes: abstinence or significant reduction in substance use, improved social connectedness, engagement in mental health or pre-natal services when needed, and improved level of psycho-social functioning as evidenced by acquisition of skills, stability of housing and/or employment.
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).
