AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) is launching a new pilot program targeted at helping opioid overdose survivors get access to treatment and services for long-term recovery.
The HHS is working with Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS) to help provide these services. EMS opioid response teams will connect survivors to medication-assisted treatment through the new program.
“Helping overdose survivors develop a plan for ongoing treatment and recovery will lower their risk for relapsing,” said Sonja Gaines, HHS deputy executive commissioner for intellectual and developmental disability and behavioral health services. “We must end the cycle of repeat overdoses and support survivors in their recovery. With this pilot program, we’re giving EMS and first responders the resources to link patients with follow-up care, treatment and support to help them recover.”
According to the HHS, Travis County has one of the highest rates of opioid-related deaths in Texas. ATCEMS launched the Opioid Emergency Response program in 2018 and expects to help 300 people in 2020 with funding from the new pilot.
Texas HHS has implemented the pilot program in Bexar, Harris and Williamson counties over the past two years.
HHS said in Harris County, 85% of its 500 patients received and remained in treatment for more than 30 days.
Texas HHS allocates approximately $500,000 annually to each of the sites of the new pilot program.
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