Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan supports equitable care for opioid use disorder

From July 2022 to June 2023, there were 28,916 overdose emergency healthcare visits in Michigan according to the most recent available data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration endorses medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) as effective in improving patient survival and treatment retention, preventing overdoses and minimizing withdrawal symptoms.

As a result, leaders, physicians, nurses, and other team members in Henry Ford’s emergency departments (ED) have taken initiative to address the rising rates of opioid use disorder through breaking down barriers to medical treatment for patients in the ED.

In 2022, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan awarded Henry Ford Health a grant totaling $388,091 to train providers across each of Henry Ford Health’s seven emergency departments in providing medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. In addition to MOUD utilization in the emergency department, the grant supports continuity of care by connecting patients with local MOUD outpatient services after discharge.

Through partnership with the network of outpatient treatment programs in the community, this initiative strengthens support for patients with opioid use disorder regardless of insurance status, even after they’ve left the emergency department.

The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan’s support ensures Henry Ford Health is equipped to expand equitable care, resources and treatment for patients with opioid use disorder.