Integrated and Coordinated Care for Recovery

First Call Alcohol/Drug Prevention and Recovery

Kansas City is moving closer towards a collaborative system of care to bridge the gaps and streamline delivery of care.

In the Kansas City area, there are strong networks of support for individuals with substance use disorder that spans from detox to treatment to recovery housing and aftercare—yet only 8% of people in the metro will access these services. Often, people do not get the treatment they need, because of their lack of readiness and motivation to change. These factors were evident in the 2016 Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs and Health, which states, “about 40% of individuals who know they have an alcohol or drug problem are not ready to stop using. Others simply feel they do not have a problem or a need for treatment—which may partly be a consequence of the neurobiological changes that profoundly affect the judgment, motivation, and priorities of a person with a substance use disorder.”

It is critically important for substance use disorder groups and mental health groups integrate and link their services to ensure that no one slips through the gaps of a complex social services delivery system; transitions from detox to a treatment program, or from inpatient treatment into aftercare, are particularly filled with risk and need to be coordinated. During these “gaps,” people are at much greater risk of overdose. Luckily, there are several efforts working to strengthen and streamline access to behavioral healthcare treatment and recovery resources.

When a person or family member finds themselves in a position where outside help is needed, knowing where to start can be a challenge. Internet searches can be fraught with paid advertisements for treatment centers which are often outside the Kansas City area and without guarantee of quality. Whether someone has insurance also plays a major role in finding available resources. A call to a 24/7 helpline like United Way 211 (211 in Metro), First Call (816-361-5900) or Healing House (855-770-HOPE) is the best place to start. Responders or licensed professionals can assess each caller’s situation and make a referral that is most appropriate.

One group, The Greater Kansas City Opioid Treatment Workgroup was convened by First Call in October 2016 and meets on a regular basis to discuss a model treatment in Kansas City, placing the focus on a complete continuum of care for people suffering from opioid use disorder. There are over 70 stakeholders participating in this conversation, they include people from the service delivery sector, public health, funders, elected officials, researchers, first responders and volunteers.

Other workgroups include The KC Perinatal Collaborative and Be Free. The Perinatal Collaborative is focused on mothers and babies impacted by substance use during pregnancy and early post-partum time periods. The Be Free initiative is planning a recovery community center that offers recovery support, primary and dental care, a recovery gym, and more.

Kansas City is moving closer towards a collaborative system of care to bridge the gaps and streamline delivery of care.