Promising
Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting, as indicated by achievement of aims consistent with the objectives of the activities, and are suitable for adaptation by other communities.

Innovation During COVID-19: Improving Addiction Treatment Access

Samuels, E. A., Clark, S. A., Wunsch, C., Jordison Keeler, L. A., Reddy, N., Vanjani, R., Wightman, R. S. 

Release Date:

Case Study

Organizational Change/ Development
Policy Change/ Development
Healthcare Access and Quality
Social and Community Context
Tools Included
Outside U.S.
ACCESS RESOURCE
Facemask

Mitigation and Prevention

This article describes the Rhode Island Buprenorphine Hotline, a “tele-bridge” clinic where patients undergo screening and, if appropriate, are prescribed buprenorphine for induction. This is a new model enabled by changes in federal guidance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Evaluation of the hotline is ongoing, but initial reception among hotline users and providers is positive. The practice strategy this article is focused on is promoting access to medication assisted treatment for individuals with opioid use disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resource Details

Outcomes of Interest

Priority Population(s)

People With Substance Use Disorders

Setting(s) of Implementation

Geographic Area of Implementation

Implementation Period

2020-2021