Spotlight: Pennsylvania’s Warm Hand-Off

A brief overview of Pennsylvania’s program to implement warm hand-off’s to treatment for individuals seen in hospitals and emergency departments for addiction related issues. In 2016 the state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs required all county addiction authorities to develop a warm hand-off plan for individuals treated for opioid overdose in a hospital or emergency department. The program has significantly increased the percentage of patients who enter treatment after receiving a screening and assessment and a direct referral to treatment through this program. Part of the Addiction Policy Forum’s Spotlight series which highlights innovative programs to address the opioid crisis.

Funding source: Various grants and donations

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