This pilot increases access to care for people with SUD and a carceral history in rural Berkshire County, MA by addressing barriers related to transportation and the higher cost of rural care via 3 key activities:
● Pair EMS with Sheriff’s Office navigators to enhance field medical services and linkage to primary care
● Improve First Responder ability to address overdose through field bupe induction and improved overdose response
● Enhance OEND training for formerly incarcerated individuals by incorporating an Overdose Safety Plan and SafeSpot “test call”
Following guidance from people with lived and living experience, this project will create a scalable structure to build collaboration among primary care, behavioral health and the legal system.