CALIFORNIA AWARDS $19.3 MILLION TO ENHANCE OPIOID TREATMENT
SACRAMENTO — The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
awarded $19,314,520 to 25 organizations to support low-barrier opioid treatment at syringe services programs (SSP) from September 30, 2024, through September 29, 2027. Awardees include SSPs providing or supporting health care services in California, such as assessment, prescription, and management of medication for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD).
“DHCS continues to increase early and focused interventions and treatment to address opioid and substance use disorders," said
DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “This funding will help prevent opioid overuse and addiction, address opioid use disorders safely and effectively, and help reduce overdose deaths."
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: Intravenous drug users are vulnerable to a wide range of potentially life-threatening
infections, including rare infections, such as wound botulism and cutaneous anthrax. The majority of new hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are due to injection drug use. Sterile injection equipment dramatically
reduces the risk of infection and prevents outbreaks among drug users. SSPs are associated with an estimated 50 percent reduction in HIV and HCV infections. Additionally, transmission is reduced by more than two-thirds when combined with medications for opioid use disorder.
WHAT THIS MEANS: This project expands existing SSP services available in California communities and supports the integration of OUD treatment services and other harm reduction services into existing sites. This increases the number of patients receiving support and reduces or eliminates obstacles to accessing, initiating, and continuing OUD treatment. For example, offering treatment services in one location or area can streamline referrals and provider communication for better, more efficient care.
AWARD BACKGOUND: This funding opportunity, under the State Opioid Response (SOR) IV federal grant awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, provides resources to continue projects from the SOR III federal grant. SSP projects offer low-barrier access to treatment of OUD and related supportive services, such as case management and peer support.
BIGGER PICTURE: Since coming into office, Governor Gavin Newsom has dedicated more than $1 billion in funding to fight the opioid crisis by removing opioids from the streets, providing resources to California communities in need, and increasing education and awareness to prevent harm in the first place.
In March 2023, Governor Newsom released the Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis to fight the opioid crisis by preventing overdoses and supporting Californians struggling with substance use disorders. The plan includes ongoing investments in DHCS' Naloxone Distribution Project, grants for education, testing, recovery, and support services, increased fentanyl test strip distribution, and funding for overdose medications for all middle and high schools in California. To learn more about California's response to the opioid crisis, visit www.opioids.ca.gov.