nearly $65.4 million to 91 organizations to strengthen the California Hub and Spoke System, a proven model designed to increase access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) services statewide. This funding will enhance prevention, treatment, and recovery services throughout the state, advancing the fight against the opioid crisis and saving lives.
“Overcoming the opioid epidemic requires every part of our public health system working together toward healing," said
DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “The Hub and Spoke System strengthens California's network of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery providers by improving services and resources in communities across the state."
The Hub and Spoke System consists of a network of Narcotic Treatment Programs (known as Hubs) licensed to dispense methadone and other MOUDs. These Hubs are connected to other MOUD prescribers (known as Spokes), which primarily provide various formulations of buprenorphine—a medication that reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms—and ongoing opioid use disorder (OUD) and substance use disorder (SUD) care and treatment.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: More than 7,000 Californians
died from opioid overdose in 2022. More than 83,000 opioid-related overdose deaths occur per year across the country, more than 90 percent of which involve fentanyl. The Hub and Spoke System increases access to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) services throughout the state, particularly in counties with the highest overdose rates. This program was modeled after the
Vermont Hub and Spoke system, which successfully increased access to MAT in a rural state with little treatment infrastructure. The project increased the availability of MAT for patients with OUD by increasing the total number of physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners prescribing buprenorphine.
The Hub and Spoke System continues to improve education, outreach, and treatment for patients with SUDs and OUDs, with a particular focus on serving vulnerable populations and increasing MOUD services. The system is designed to:
- Increase access and uptake of MOUD services and evidence-based SUD treatment in populations and communities with disproportionately high overdose death rates by helping grantees maintain vital services beyond the grant period.
- Improve patient-centered care and provide a variety of services to the patient's family and friends to maximize recovery, build family resilience, and destigmatize treatment.
- Strengthen regional relationships among Hub and Spoke System networks to minimize patient care fragmentation and improve patient retention and long-term recovery.
- Increase the number of buprenorphine prescribers, prescriptions, and successful prescription fulfillment throughout the Hub and Spoke System.
WHAT THIS MEANS: Ninety-one organizations will receive awards to provide MOUD services to implement the Hub and Spoke System from January 1, 2025, through September 29, 2027. Grantees include Narcotic Treatment Programs, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics, community clinics, nonprofit organizations, and Tribal entities. GRANT IMPACT: “This funding allows Venice Family Clinic to offer lifesaving support for people with SUDs, regardless of their insurance status," said Ariel Peterson, Director of Program Management for Venice Family Clinic. “This includes medications for opiate use disorder, counseling, case management, and transportation to detox or residential care."“We are honored to receive this grant funding to support our MAT program for OUD, enabling us to continue providing critical outreach and medical services to high-risk Native American patients," said Judith Surber, MAT Program Manager for K'ima:w Medical Center. “The MAT program remains an integral part of our medical center and the broader community we serve. This funding will help grow our program, reduce stigma, and lower mortality from opioid overdoses within our rural, Tribal community. By fostering a structured clinic environment, we aim to empower patients to rebuild their lives and contribute as productive members of society, supporting their families and communities."“With Hub and Spoke System funding support, our outpatient, residential, and opioid treatment programs are able to provide more extensive outreach to the community on lifesaving MOUD and provide more uninsured and underinsured patients with equal access to MAT," said Andrea Nee, Director of Evaluation for Clare|Matrix. “Hub and Spoke System funding is instrumental to supporting our medical directors, counseling, and nursing staff to be able to offer the highest quality treatment to even more patients with OUDs and stimulant use disorders. We'll be able to improve knowledge and awareness of the benefits and impact of MAT and further reduce stigma through comprehensive patient education and engagement services."BIGGER PICTURE: The state launched opioids.ca.gov, a one-stop tool for Californians seeking resources for prevention and treatment as well as information about how California is working to hold Big Pharma and drug traffickers accountable in this crisis. The Hub and Spoke System is funded by the State Opioid Response IV grant, awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This project is part of DHCS' broader efforts to address SUDs, collectively known as California Opioid Response, to increase access to MOUDs, reduce unmet treatment needs, and reduce opioid overdose-related deaths through prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. For more information, please visit the California DHCS Opioid Response Overview website.