Headline
Report and companion case studies share strategies to support community health centers and federal and state policymakers in increasing the use of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD).
Context
Although MOUD are an evidence-based treatment proven to support recovery and prevent opioid overdose deaths, there is in insufficient amount of health care providers prescribing MOUD to meet the needs of communities across the United States. This report describes both the challenges and opportunities present for increasing access to MOUD in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), which serve under-resourced communities who experience significant disparities in accessing MOUD. There is also a companion series of case studies detailing how four FQHCs from across the country are successfully integrating prescribing of MOUD into their clinical practices.
Findings
This report identifies facilitators for community health centers, and federal and state policymakers to consider in increasing access to MOUD in FQHCs. The opportunities outlined address the clinical, organizational, and financial aspects of increasing MOUD in these settings, which were identified by the authors through a literature review and interviews with relevant stakeholders. The report also includes an appendix of MOUD training resources for health care providers.
The companion series of case studies detail implementation approaches for MOUD in FQHCs across three different states. The authors interviewed leaders of these FQHCs and the case studies include information on infrastructure, training and capacity building, staffing and services, financing, success and challenges, and recommendations for other providers seeking to increase access to MOUD.
Takeaways
This report and series of case studies offers providers and policymakers a better understanding of the challenges related to prescribing MOUD in FQHCs and other health centers. It also provides recommendations for how these challenges can be overcome through program and policy changes.