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Transitions Clinic Network (TCN) programs address the high rates of overdose mortality among individuals recently released from incarceration and other health risks and challenges these patients face. A primary care practice that implements a TCN program provides recently released patients with care for chronic health conditions including substance use disorder. It adds a community health worker with a history of incarceration who connects with patients before release, helps them navigate services in the community, and provides warm handoffs.

In rural communities where pharmacotherapy may not be available in primary care practices, telemedicine-based treatment with providers outside the immediate area can serve as a 2-3 year bridge, supporting patients in their recovery while allowing PCPs to become trained in pharmacotherapy and integrate care management into their practices. A bridge program also supports SUD treatment programs in maintaining access to treatment for new patients.

In this webinar, Gloria Baciewicz and Patrick Seche of Strong Recovery and UR Medicine Recovery Center of Excellence discuss targeted naloxone (often known by the brand-name Narcan) distribution. They describe how to establish a program, and suggest “touchless” approaches to delivery and remote training that are helping expand access to naloxone in rural areas.

Our first webinar, “Creating Solutions: Recovery in the Opioid Crisis,” focuses on evidence-based practices (EBPs) that can help communities combat substance use disorder, particularly synthetic opioid use.