We are proud to announce that ARCA has received a 5-year SAMHSA grant to provide Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Prescription Drug and Opioid Addiction. Through this grant initiative, ARCA will be pairing certified peer specialist services alongside PreventEd, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the harms of alcohol and other drug use through education, intervention, and advocacy. This partnership acts as the linchpin necessary to provide accessible, vital treatment to individuals living with substance use disorders in Franklin County.

 

Missouri consistently ranks among the highest states in the country in overdose deaths and unlike many other states, has seen increasing numbers. This increase is forecasted to continue as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on. Data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services ranks Franklin County as number 3 of the 114 Missouri counties in terms of deaths by opioid overdose. Most recent data shows that Franklin County has 43 opioid overdose deaths per 100,000, which is 98% higher than the Missouri average of 21.7 deaths per 100,000.

 

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has recognized Franklin County as a rural community that has been particularly hard hit by the opioid epidemic.

Franklin County lacks treatment options and treatment infrastructure to address substance use disorders (SUD). This includes lack of medication providers and access to medication for people living with substance use disorders.

 

Certified Peer Specialists are people who have been successful in the recovery process and are certified by the state of Missouri to help others experiencing similar situations. Through shared understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment, Certified Peer Specialists help people become and stay engaged in the recovery process and reduce the likelihood of relapse. Peer support services have a proven track record of effectively extending the reach of treatment beyond the clinical setting into the everyday environment of those seeking a successful, sustained recovery process.

This project will serve adults over the age of 18 who are at risk for, have been diagnosed with, and/or are in treatment and/or recovery for Opioid Use Disorder/Stimulant Use Disorder (OUD/SUD).

 

ARCA’s treatment team working in tandem with PreventEd’s Certified Peer Specialist team brings much-needed wraparound care to Franklin County. The two organizations will aid patients in connecting to social service benefits and long-term therapy, as needed, with other providers in the area as well to serve each patient best.

 

ARCA is excited to continue providing access to care initiatives to those in Missouri who are most in need.