SACRAMENTO— The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) awarded $1.2 million to 11 organizations through the Tribal Local Opioid Coalition (TLOC). This project is funded by the State Opioid Response III grant awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and is part of DHCS’ broader efforts to address substance use disorders, collectively known as the California MAT Expansion Project, to increase access to Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) organizations.
“This project continues our work to ensure access to culturally responsive treatment services, reduce unmet treatment needs, lower opioid overdose-related deaths through prevention and treatment, and increase recovery support activities,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass.
Why This Matters
This funding will work to address the opioid crisis in California tribal communities through interagency partnerships of community members, stakeholders, and service providers who work together to reduce the impacts of opioid and stimulant use in tribal communities.
Award Details
Eleven tribal organizations are receiving awards for the TLOC project from June 2, 2023, through June 20, 2024. Grantees are California tribal health organizations and entities that will work to increase access to treatment and will have access to a Tribal MAT Champion, who is a representative from the California Rural Indian Health Board serving as a subject matter expert on MAT. Awardees can contact this individual for ongoing support, including coaching, training, and technical assistance. Opportunities for peer-to-peer learning will be available through regional and statewide meetings and webinars.
BACKGROUND
MAT is the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, which is effective in treating opioid use disorders and can help people sustain recovery. For more information, please visit the DHCS website.
Bigger Picture
Since coming into office, Governor Gavin Newsom has dedicated more than $1 billion to fight the opioid crisis by removing opioids from the streets, providing resources to California communities in need, and increasing education and awareness to prevent harm in the first place. Read Governor Newsom’s Master Plan to Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis.