Pennsylvania is getting a $3 million federal grant to treat opioid addiction. The Department of Human Services (DHS) says the funding will be used to double the number of primary care physicians delivering medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in rural Pennsylvania.
During the 3-year program, DHS will partner with Medicaid managed care organizations and the University of Pittsburgh Health Policy Institute, along with existing MAT providers to recruit, engage, and support rural primary care practices that provide the treatment.
MAT is an evidence-based approach to treating opioid addiction that uses FDA-approved medications (buprenorphine, injectable naltrexone, etc.) in combination with behavioral health treatments.
The program begins on September 30.