15PBJA21GG04507COAP

Connecticut has suffered disproportionately from the impacts of opioids and addiction. The state has the sixth highest unintentional overdose death rate per capita and is among a small, lamentable cohort of thirteen states who saw a statistically significant increase in their drug overdose death rate over the last year. Swift, comprehensive action from multidisciplinary partners is urgently needed to combat the rising number of overdoses.

The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) proposes to pilot a multilateral, technologically sophisticated, community-based opioid overdose response effort, termed the Community and Law Enforcement for Addiction Recovery (CLEAR) project, in six jurisdictions across the state. The CLEAR project will establish and enhance partnerships between community agencies and law enforcement to increase connections to care for people with a substance use disorder (SUD) and create a cohesive, collaborative response to addiction among community partners.

For each jurisdiction, the CLEAR project will include thorough assessment, planning, and evaluation phases of work. It will also involve the implementation of IPIS/CORDATA integrated system for data tracking and referral management. Additionally, a coordinated safety net of recovery coaches and overdose response teams will be established to connect with and support individuals not connecting with care through other channels. Support and direction will be provided to families, including the identification and referral of children impacted by a family member's SUD to services. Increased access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) will also be a focus. Furthermore, a community-based, technology and data-driven dispatch response to surges in overdoses called Beacon will be implemented.

The goal of the CLEAR project is to create a replicable model for overdose response that can be scaled in communities across the entire state, no matter the size or demographic. DMHAS has selected six sites which represent urban, rural, and suburban demographics. These sites were chosen based on several factors, including need (as evidenced by overdose rates per capita), diversity in the population, and readiness to implement the program. Each selected site will have a law enforcement partner, including the Bridgeport Police Department, Greenwich Police Department, Norwalk Police Department, Torrington Police Department, Winsted Police Department, and State Police Troop B and L. Two of the selected jurisdictions are considered high poverty areas. Bridgeport, the largest city in Connecticut, has a poverty level of 20.8%, and Winsted, a gateway community to the rural northwest, has a poverty level of 23.5%.

The CLEAR project aims to reduce barriers to treatment for individuals at risk of overdose by providing connections to care, peer support, family engagement, and creating partnerships between providers, law enforcement, and the community.

Connecticut Department Of Mental Health And Addiction Services

16.838 - Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program

Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) [DOJ - OJP]

Hartford, Connecticut 06134 United States

Single Zip Code

BJA FY 21 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program (O-BJA-2021-94008)

Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have decreased 50% from $11,999,996 to $5,999,998.