Context: Interagency networks and coordination of care systems have been found to increase treatment and stabilization among those with substance use issues. In 2010 SAMSHA awarded 33 grants to states to establish interagency networks to improve coordination of care for substance abuse disorders. However, not much is known about which states started these systems and how many have been sustained since 2010.
Objective: The purpose of this study is first to determine which states have active interagency networks referred to as Recovery Oriented Systems of Care or ROSCs and how these ROSC systems were implemented.
Human subjects review: none
Design: Observation Study via online content (government and social service agency websites) and survey (state/ROSC administrators).
Setting: US States
Intervention/instrument: none
Main and secondary outcome measures: Presence of ROSCs, number of active ROSCs, location of ROSC (county or agency), presence of interagency meetings, funding sources and outcomes.
Anticipated results: Preliminary data shows that 12 US States have active ROSC systems. The average number of ROSCs per active states are 6.4(6.7). Most active ROSC were present in rural communities and had active interagency meetings. Funding for these ROSCs generally were provided through SAMSHA block grants to states. States with the most active ROSCs were Illinois and Texas. These states generally implemented additional programing such as peer support and training for mental health professionals. Some states have appeared to establish interagency networks outside of the ROSC system, like Georgia.
Conclusions: Originally, SAMSHA funded ROSC systems in 66% of states. Ten years later about half of the ROSCs that were funded remained. As more primary care physicians confront patients with opioid use disorders, they can link their practices with existing coordination systems through ROSCs and other interagency networks. More study is needed to better understand what systems have taken the place of ROSC and if there is more needed to improve care coordination systems for substance use disorders via interagency networks.