We see that fewer than half of facilities for OUD in the Tampa Bay region provide educational support, transportation assistance, and medications for psychiatric disorders as wraparound services. This is in contrast to emerging behavioral health studies showing that wraparound services are not only the more compassionate approach to care, but are more effective and cost-saving than treatment as usual.¹
We also see that not all medications for opioid use disorder are accessible, especially as a maintenance option. We know that medications like buprenorphine can reduce illicit opioid use effectively, and buprenorphine at any dose retains people in treatment better than placebo.²
One of the highlights in the Tampa Bay region is that law enforcement agencies in all 8 counties carry naloxone (Narcan) as a life-saving intervention for overdoses. Even when administered by laypersons, naloxone is effective at rates between 75-100%.³
Dr. Amanda Sharp’s recent report dives into not just the quantity of resources, but also the quality of resources provided in the Tampa Bay region. What works in recovery is not a mystery, and the more we understand our strengths and gaps, the better we will be able to respond.
We look forward to releasing the full report in January 2022.
¹Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: Effectiveness of Wraparound Care Coordination for Children and Adolescents
²Buprenorphine maintenance versus placebo or methadone maintenance for opioid dependence
³Naloxone dosage for opioid reversal: current evidence and clinical implications