Drug User Health Training Center of Expertise (COE)

How to Join the Capacity Building Initiative?

You must apply to be apart of the capacity building initiative. Applications are available here. Please read through the requirements for participation in this initiative before completing the application. Applications need to be submitted by August 2nd, 2024.

Public Health Crisis

It is a public health, economic, and moral imperative that health care organizations be more responsive to people who use drugs. Rates of HIV and hepatitis C are substantially higher among persons who use drugs than among persons who do not. Opioid use and overdoses in the United States are at epidemic proportions. Stigma related to drug use creates significant barriers to vital prevention and health care services for people who use drugs. Stigma can also have an adverse impact on the HIV, HCV, and substance use disorder treatment uptake, treatment adherence and quality of life.

Defining Drug User Health

Drug User Health is a set of services built on the harm reduction philosophy of “meeting people where they are”. These services address the structural and social barriers that may underlie use of drugs and does not rely solely on a “treatment only” approach. This approach engages individuals to seek and return for services from compassionate and competent providers, who take a whole patient-centered approach to medical care of a person who uses drugs.

Requirements for Participation

The DUHCBI is a year-long initiative, involving face to face meetings, conference calls and teamwork. The following are requirements for participation in this capacity building initiative:

• Must be an Article 28 facility.
• Must identify two representatives to participate in the initiative who are in leadership positions who have: 1) a long-term commitment to the agency, 2) the authority to implement changes in agency practices, and 3) the ability to train/coach staff.
• Must identify a “team” of 3-5 staff members to support the two representatives.
• Agency representatives must attend and participate in two in-person meetings, scheduled for October 2024 and September 2025, as well as monthly 90-minute coaching webinars.
• Must complete and submit DUH CBI organizational and staff assessments within the first month of acceptance into this year-long initiative. These assessments will accompany the acceptance email, which will be sent out by 8/30/2024.
• Must commit to making improvements in policies and practices based on the results of the organizational and staff assessments.
• Must sign-on to provide stigma free care to people who use drugs.

If you have any additional questions please contact Jaclyn Oshins at coe@acrhealth.org.