Texas Expands Opioid Treatment Network Through UT Health San Antonio Initiative

Be Well Texas to Lead Major Expansion of Opioid Use Disorder Services Across the State

Treatment access and improvements will reach both rural and urban communities throughout Texas.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has officially announced that Be Well Texas,an initiative of the Be Well Institute on substance Use and Related Disorders at UT Health San Antonio,has been selected to spearhead a significant expansion of opioid use disorder (OUD) and recovery support services across the Lone Star State. This crucial initiative will administer two key components of the state’s opioid response, focusing on medications for OUD treatment services and complete recovery support services.

this expansion is a vital part of the broader Texas Targeted Opioid Response and Peer Support and Recovery Services strategy, with the overarching goal of reducing overdose deaths and establishing a robust, lasting recovery infrastructure. The newly awarded funding will empower Be Well Texas and its extensive network of partners throughout Texas to enhance treatment accessibility,improve the continuity of care,and deliver life-saving services to individuals in both rural and urban communities.

Jennifer Sharpe Potter, PhD, MPH

“We are honored by the trust placed in us by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and grateful for their leadership in addressing the challenge of substance use across the state,” stated Jennifer Sharpe Potter, PhD, MPH, founding director of the Be Well Institute and senior vice president for research at UT Health San Antonio. “This work woudl not be possible without the partnerships we’ve built with community leaders, providers, and recovery organizations throughout Texas. Together, we are committed to expanding compassionate, evidence-based care for those affected by substance use.”

This significant award signifies a unique and powerful collaboration between two leading state entities – HHSC and UT Health San Antonio. United by a shared vision,the initiative aims to dramatically increase access to high-quality,evidence-based,and person-centered substance use services. As the lead agency, Be Well Texas will provide essential technical expertise, robust oversight, and dedicated implementation support through a comprehensive network of treatment, recovery, and provider engagement programs. This network will be underpinned by the Be Well Institute’s extensive clinical and public health experience.

“This is not just an expansion – it’s a continuation and amplification of the work be Well Texas and its partners have been doing for years to scale effective, innovative models across Texas,” Potter elaborated. “It reflects a growing momentum to ensure every Texan has access to care that works – wherever they are.”

As its inception in 2021, the Be Well Texas initiative has established itself as a trusted and indispensable partner in the state’s overdose prevention efforts, consistently providing low-barrier clinical care, cultivating a robust statewide Provider Network, delivering vital workforce training, and developing innovative substance use solutions to meet the evolving needs of Texans.

how does the UT Health San Antonio initiative aim to improve opioid addiction treatment in rural Texas communities?

Addressing the Opioid crisis in Texas: A New Network

Texas is bolstering it’s fight against the opioid crisis with a notable expansion of its treatment network, spearheaded by an initiative from UT Health San Antonio. This expansion aims to increase access to evidence-based opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment across the state, particularly in underserved rural communities. The initiative recognizes the growing need for comprehensive addiction treatment and harm reduction strategies.

Key Components of the UT Health San Antonio Initiative

The UT Health San Antonio initiative focuses on several key areas to improve opioid addiction treatment accessibility and quality:

Project ECHO (Extension for Community healthcare outcomes): this telehealth program connects specialists at UT Health San Antonio with primary care providers in rural and underserved areas. This allows for real-time consultation on complex cases of OUD, improving the capacity of local doctors to provide effective care.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Training: A core component is expanding training opportunities for healthcare professionals in MAT, considered the gold standard for OUD treatment. This includes training on prescribing buprenorphine, naloxone governance, and comprehensive patient care.

Increased Access to Naloxone: The initiative supports wider distribution of naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. This includes providing training to first responders, community organizations, and individuals at risk of overdose or witnessing an overdose.

Telehealth Expansion: Beyond Project ECHO, the initiative promotes the broader use of telehealth for OUD treatment, removing geographical barriers and increasing convenience for patients. This is particularly crucial for individuals in remote areas with limited access to specialized care.

Data-Driven Approach: The program emphasizes collecting and analyzing data to identify areas of greatest need and track the effectiveness of interventions. This allows for continuous advancement and targeted resource allocation.

Understanding Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MAT combines behavioral therapies and medications to treat OUD. It’s a highly effective approach, but often faces stigma and limited availability.Here’s a breakdown:

Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same euphoric effects as other opioids.

Naltrexone: An opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids, helping prevent relapse.

Methadone: A full opioid agonist, dispensed through specialized clinics, that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms.(Availability is more restricted than buprenorphine).

Behavioral Therapies: Counseling, support groups, and other therapies help patients address the underlying causes of addiction and develop coping mechanisms.

Benefits of the Expanded Network

The expansion of the opioid treatment network offers numerous benefits for Texans struggling with OUD:

Increased Access to Care: More treatment options, particularly in rural areas, mean more people can get the help they need.

Reduced Overdose Rates: wider availability of naloxone and effective treatment can significantly reduce the number of opioid-related overdoses.

Improved Quality of Life: Prosperous treatment can help individuals regain control of their lives, rebuild relationships, and contribute to their communities.

Reduced Strain on Healthcare System: Effective treatment reduces the need for emergency room visits and hospitalizations related to opioid overdoses.

Economic Benefits: Addressing the opioid crisis can reduce healthcare costs and increase workforce participation.

Navigating Opioid Treatment in Texas: Resources & Support

Finding the right opioid treatment center or resources can be daunting. Here are some helpful links:

Texas Health and Human Services – Opioid Crisis: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/substance-use-services/opioid-crisis

SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – A confidential, free, 24/7 facts service, in English and Spanish, providing referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

UT Health San Antonio – addiction Research & treatment: https://www.uthscsa.edu/psychiatry/addiction-research-treatment

Texas Council on Alcohol and Drug abuse (TCADA): https://www.tcada.org/ – Provides resources and advocacy for substance use prevention and treatment.

* Mayoclinic – Opioids: https://www.mayoclinic.org/opioids – Information on safe opioid use and addiction.

Real-World Impact: Project ECHO in Action

Project ECHO has demonstrated success in other areas of healthcare, and its application to OUD treatment in Texas is showing promising results. Early data suggests that participating primary care providers report increased confidence in their ability to manage patients with OUD, leading to more individuals receiving timely and appropriate care. The program’s collaborative approach fosters a learning community,ensuring that best practices are shared and implemented effectively.

Addressing Stigma and Promoting Harm Reduction

Alongside expanding