Abt and Mass. Dept. of Health Take the Next Step in Addressing Substance Use Disorder and Long-Term Care
Cambridge, Ma. – Under a new contract for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), Abt Global will provide technical support to long-term care facilities so they can better provide safe, evidence-based care for residents with substance use disorders. The goal is to ensure individuals with substance use disorders who require care in a long-term care facility have access to high-quality substance use disorder treatment to meet their emotional, behavioral, and social needs.
In collaboration with partners at Healthcentric Advisors, Boston Medical Center, and Massachusetts General Hospital, the Abt team will provide training and resources on key practices for caring for residents with substance use disorders to support long-term care facilities throughout the Commonwealth. Building on previous work with DPH, which emphasized opioid use disorder, stimulant use disorder, and medications for opioid use disorder, the current contract has expanded to encompass alcohol use disorder, medication for alcohol use disorder, and the use of multiple substances.
The team will work with technical experts to inform resources that cover effective treatments, care coordination from intake to discharge planning, and how to address stigma and bias. Training and technical support activities will include self-paced, online training modules, peer-to-peer webinars, one-on-one technical support and coaching, and an annual, in-person conference.
The new work builds on the team’s legacy of supporting long-term care facilities in a number of areas, including the treatment of opioid disorder, both within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and beyond.
“This is a logical—and necessary—next step in ensuring individuals with substance use disorders receive evidence-based treatment throughout the continuum of care, and we’re glad to be taking it with the Massachusetts Department of Health,” said Abt’s CMS Lead, ZeAmma Brathwaite.
About Abt Global
Abt Global is a global consulting and research firm that combines data and bold thinking to improve the quality of people's lives. We partner with clients and communities to advance equity and innovation—from creating scalable digital solutions and combatting infectious disease, to mitigating climate change and evaluating programs for measurable social impact. https://www.abtglobal.com
Contact:
Eric Tischler
eric_tischler@abtassoc.com
(301) 347-5492
