In August 2019, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Health and Services Administration (HRSA) awarded nearly $2 million to 11 Utah Health Centers to combat the opioid crisis.
Utah’s Health Centers are on the front lines of fighting the opioid crisis and substance use disorders. In 2018, the state’s Health Centers treated more than 9,300 patients in need of mental health and/or substance use disorder treatment services. Additionally, the number of Health Center providers who obtained a Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 (DATA) waiver to treat opioid use disorder with medications increased 23% in the past year. Between 2017 to 2018, Utah’s Health Centers saw an 89% increase in the number of patients who received medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder.
This supplemental funding will allow Utah’s Health Centers to continue increasing access to high-quality, integrated behavioral health services, including the prevention of mental health conditions and/or substance use disorders, including opioid use disorder through the Integrated Behavioral Health Services program. Additionally, the funding may be used to develop and improve care delivery systems, support care coordination, case management, and medication management for patients.
Congratulations to Utah’s Health Center awardees. Click here for more information and to view all awardees.