​​​CALIFORNIA MAKES $10 MILLION INVESTMENT TO HELP PEOPLE WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

SACRAMENTO — As part of California's ongoing efforts to combat the overdose epidemic, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) awarded more than $10 million to 25 DHCS-licensed nonprofit, residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facilities throughout the state. This funding continues California's support of community organizations on the ground, doing the day-to-day work of caring for and supporting people struggling with SUDs.

“The opioid crisis is a public health issue, and this funding provides necessary support, including lifesaving medications and vital services, to those struggling with addiction, and allows their communities to support their recovery," said DHCS Director Michelle Baass.

The funding supports SUD treatment facilities with costs associated with startup, recruitment, mentorship, and training programs to increase provider knowledge and comfort with prescribing Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT).

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: MAT involves the use of FDA-approved medication, which is effective in the treatment of opioid use disorder and can help individuals sustain long-term recovery. This funding opportunity builds upon the previous successful round of funding in May 2023, which assisted 20 facilities in implementing or expanding existing onsite MAT services.

WHAT COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS ARE SAYING:
​​​“This funding is critical to the overall impact we have on our clients' treatment, long-term recovery rates, and risk of overdose," said Tara Tebbs, Project Manager for Progress House, a round one awardee. “It's allowed us to provide a more immersive treatment experience for those we serve and increase retention in our treatment program."

​​“Funding the expansion of evidence-based medication treatment options for opioid use disorder is critically important to address substance use disorders in the community and our current crisis of overdose deaths," said Taylor Nichols of Cache Creek Lodge, Inc., another round one awardee.

GRANT AWARDS: The grant application was made available to all DHCS-licensed, nonprofit residential SUD treatment facilities. Twenty-five facilities are receiving awards to implement or expand their MAT services by providing bridge funding to support start-up costs or to expand their existing MAT services.

This project is funded by the state General Fund and is part of DHCS' broader efforts to increase access to MAT, reduce unmet treatment needs, and reduce opioid overdose-related deaths through the provision of prevention, treatment, and recovery activities. For more information, including the list of awardees, please visit the MAT Access Points webpage.

HOW WE GOT HERE: In 2018, Senate Bill (SB) 992 was enacted to prevent those with an opioid use disorder receiving MAT from being denied admission to a residential treatment facility. To further boost the availability of prescribed MAT in California, Governor Newsom approved SB 184 (2022), which requires treatment facilities to either offer MAT directly to clients or have an effective referral process in place with narcotic treatment programs, community health centers, or other MAT providers.

BIGGER PICTURE: 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 SUDs. The plan includes ongoing investments to 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.