The Vermont Department of Health, Division of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADAP) recognizes that the need for high-quality services delivered to individuals with or at risk of substance use disorder continues to expand across the entire continuum of prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery. Although the State has a dedicated array of service providers that serve individuals across the continuum of care, there are still gaps in service. Many of these gaps can be attributed to the geographic landscape of the state (large rural areas as well as some larger-population centers) and the existing workforce available in the state to deliver services. In looking at the opportunities for continuous improvement, ADAP has been working on what is known as the Substance Use Disorder System of Care Enhancements Project (Project).
ADAP envisions that the work of the Project will support the following high-level goals: Ensure all Vermonters will have access to a core set of evidence-based treatment and recovery services. Design and implement one substance use disorder (SUD) continuum of care, agnostic of substance, that is able to meet individual needs and that is seamless for individuals to access and navigate. Enhance care coordination, including the physical health care system, co-occurring conditions, and recovery services. Develop a value-based payment structure to incentivize a higher quality of care and outcomes for Vermonters. Recruit and retain high-quality staff through competitive wages/benefits and staff development career ladders to ensure capacity across the service continuum. Reduce duplicative efforts on behalf of the client (e.g., multiple assessments, multiple case managers, etc.). Reduce administrative functions performed by the State to enable the State to increase its quality-based activities geared towards improving care for Vermonters.
At this time, no specific model for the design, organization and/or provision of services has been pre-determined. ADAP is open to how services are defined, how services are delivered, which providers will deliver the services, how services will be paid for, and how services will be effectively and efficiently coordinated. As a result, some or all of the components mentioned may change in whole or in part from the system in place today.
ADAP is providing this survey as an additional format and opportunity for stakeholders to provide feedback to the Project team. We are focusing on co-occurring care for Vermonters. We would like to hear from you about your vision for co-occurring care in Vermont.