ABOUT US
​​​The Massachusetts Substance Use Disorders in Long-Term Care (SUD in LTC) initiative is driven by a passionate and multidisciplinary team of public health professionals, clinicians, and policy advocates committed to transforming how substance use disorders are treated in long-term care settings.
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Who are we?
​Our team includes subject matter experts from both local and nationally recognized universities, hospitals, and research institutions—bringing together decades of experience in geriatrics, addiction medicine, implementation science, and healthcare systems reform. By combining real-world clinical insight with evidence-based policy strategies, we work to ensure that all adults, especially older adults, living in skilled nursing facilities or rest homes have equitable access to high-quality, compassionate substance use disorder care.
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​What are we doing?​​​
​We collaborate closely with long-term care providers, opioid treatment programs (OTPs), state agencies like BSAS and MassHealth, and community partners to develop clinical protocols, build workforce capacity, and reduce stigma. Grounded in data, driven by dignity, and sustained by partnerships, our work reflects a shared commitment to building a responsive, inclusive system of care for some of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable residents.
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​How can you get involved?
The Substance Use Disorders Project is an all-hands-on-deck effort. Every member of a resident's care team should be thoroughly informed and educated on how to treat their resident with understanding and kindness at every step of their journey. By reading through the materials available on this website, attending in-person forums, and working side by side with others dedicated to compassionate care, you'll join the ranks of thousands of healthcare professionals whose goal is to meet people where they are.
ABOUT OUR PARTNERS
Department of Public Health
DPH promotes and protects health and wellness and prevents injury and illness for all people. We prioritize racial equity in health by improving equitable access to quality public health and health care services and partnering with communities most impacted by health inequities and structural racism. To learn more about the state’s constituents and communities, visit the Massachusetts Health Data Tool.
DPH prevents illness and disease, gives children a healthy start, and makes sure food and water supplies are safe. We prepare for and respond to a wide range of emergencies and disasters, and we maintain vital records and collect important health-related data across the state. DPH also assesses the quality and safety of health care facilities and services, and we oversee the integrity and competency of health care professions.
Learn more and share a one-pager on DPH and what we do: DPH at a Glance PDF | Doc
DPH is a an accredited health department approved by the national Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). Learn more: Public Health Accreditation.
Office of Health Care Strategy and Planning
The Office of Health Care Strategy and Planning (OHCSP) analyzes health care utilization, identifies gaps in health care delivery including patient safety and workforce issues, and projects current and future demand.
OHCSP uses a health equity lens to make recommendations, summarize opportunities, and implement innovative programs to meet the needs of all Massachusetts residents for high-quality, accessible health care.
Our mission is to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, leverage predictive analytics, promote clinical best practices, and uphold a rigorous standard of excellence to create a comprehensive health care delivery system in Massachusetts.
Bureau of Substance Addiction Services
Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) oversees the statewide system of prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery support services for individuals, families, and communities affected by substance addiction.
We are responsible for:
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Licensing substance use disorder treatment programs and counselors
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Funding and monitoring prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services
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Providing access to treatment for the uninsured
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Developing and implementing substance use disorder-related policies and programs
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Tracking substance use disorder treatment trends in the state
Healthcentric Advisors is a nationally-recognized nonprofit healthcare consultancy providing services in quality improvement, data analytics, project management, technical assistance, and digital solutions.Founded in 1994 to establish a quality improvement resource for Rhode Island healthcare providers, we quickly developed expertise in a range of subjects. This expertise has led to contracts and engagements that provide services beyond Rhode Island. Since 1994, we have expanded our portfolio of services and continued to serve clients and stakeholders nationwide. Visit our website here: https://healthcentricadvisors.org/