Addiction Treatment Starts Here: Learning Network  Invitation to Apply

Made possible by the California Department of Health Care Services

Introduction

The Learning Network is a 15-month initiative that offers continued support to alumni of CCI's previous addiction treatment learning collaboratives: Treating Addiction in the Primary Care Safety Net and Addiction Treatment Starts Here. The Network centers peer learning and problem solving and will offer virtual learning opportunities, access to site visits and peer groups, small group coaching and other technical assistance. Combined, these efforts will enable teams to continue to refine their programs and expand medication for addiction treatment (MAT) services to new sites and new populations. 
 

Program Components:

The Addiction Treatment Starts Here Learning Network offers a mechanism for clinics with mature MAT programs to continue to refine and expand these programs to new sites and new populations. Its focus will be on sharing and spreading ideas and best practices among peers - not didactic teaching from experts.  
 
Curriculum Topics
We outline below the types of content we anticipate addressing throughout the 15-month Learning Network. Topics were identified over the course of Addiction Treatment Starts Here, and in interviews and analysis conducted after work was completed. As we gain insight into the learning areas and needs of the Network, we will adapt the curriculum. We expect to address clinical and operational issues associated with MAT equity, including but not limited to: 
  • Health equity foundations and strategies for identifying health inequities, and implementing a practical health equity program
  • Expanding primary care MAT program models, including community partnerships with community-based organizations and/or involving peer support workers to reduce SUD treatment
  • Identifying patients through adopting improved inreach and outreach strategies
  • Staff training and education for MAT, especially addressing equity and relationships with community partners
  • Refining care team roles, including drug and alcohol counselors, care managers, behavioral health therapists, and others
  • Expanding services for pregnant patients and youth
  • Addressing issues related to stigma, bias, and health equity
  • Harm reduction
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Tools and approaches to address stimulant use disorder and manage co-occurring substance use, such as alcohol, methamphetamine, cocaine, tobacco, and/or benzodiazepine use 
  • Systems practice tools to support building partnerships and collaborations across care transition points, such as with acute care hospitals with emergency departments, sobering centers, behavioral health programs, schools, and the justice system
ATSH Learning Network Activities 
The Learning Network will include a mix of activities that have proven effective in enabling teams to refine MAT programs and services. 
  • Learning Session: One virtual learning session will be offered (attendance is optional).
  • Quarterly Webinars: Four quarterly 90-minute webinars for small group coaching and peer-problem solving sessions. Teams may also access webinars offered by the Learning Collaborative that address topics of interest. 
  • Virtual role-based forums, e.g., one group for nurses, another for prescribers, or SUD counselors, etc. 
  • Virtual Site Visits: Option to learn from sites with mature MAT programs, that center equity and racial justice. 
  • Complete periodic Surveys: We request the completion of periodic online surveys to gain insights into progress being made by the team and the impact of technical assistance provided.
  • An online community to share resources and communicate. 

Requirements to Apply and Participate:

Eligibility 
The Learning Network is exclusively for alumni participants of Treating Addiction in the Primary Care Safety Net and Addiction Treatment Starts Here. Previous participants in Addiction Treatment Starts Here and Treating Addiction in the Primary Care Safety Net are eligible to apply. Multiple sites within the same organization may apply but we ask that each site complete its own application. If you have questions about whether you qualify, please contact Briana Harris-Mills (briana@careinnovations.org)
 
Timeline 
The Addiction Treatment Starts Here Learning Network runs from March 2023 to June 2024. Key dates include:
  • RFA Released: November 9, 2022
  • Informational Webinar: November 17, 2022, 12 - 1pm PT
  • Application Deadline: December 12, 2022
  • Cohort Announced: February 15, 2023
  • Program Start: March 15, 2023
  • Kick-Off Webinar: March 15, 2023, 12 - 1:30 pm PT
  • Quarterly webinars: November 2023, February, and May 2024. Schedule will be confirmed prior to collaborative start
  • Learning Session: September 13, 2023
  • Program End: June 30, 2023

What You Get

  • Free technical assistance from expert coaches in MAT expansion and MAT care and experts who specialize in health equity. 
  • Platform to learn from peers about improving your MAT program.
  • Access to forums and virtual site visits that offer insight into challenges and opportunities to expand access to addiction treatment for your patients. 
  • A virtual community to get timely questions answered.
Online Application
How to apply: 
  • Step 1: Attend Informational Webinar (Optional). Interested organizations are encouraged to participate in an informational webinar on November 17, 2022, 12 - 1pm PT, to hear a program overview and ask questions. Register here
  • Step 2: Apply Online. Applications must be submitted using the form below by December 12, 2022, at 5pm PT. The program cohort will be announced by February 15, 2023. Each site should submit it's own application.