Project POINT: Effectiveness and Scalability of an Overdose Survivor Intervention

A recovery coach meets patients in the ED after they have been revived from an overdose to offer a range of services including an assessment of high-risk behaviors, Hep C/HIV testing, harm reduction counseling, and treatment referrals with follow-up to either a medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) provider, detoxification services, or an inpatient treatment setting. Patients are offered a take-home naloxone kit and assistance with Medicaid enrollment. Close collaboration with the local community mental health provider ensures POINT patients have their first assessment for MOUD within 1-2 business days of ED discharge. Also, recovery coaches offer to accompany patients to intake appointments or criminal justice and child welfare meetings as part of the standard care they deliver.