CDC Program Collaborative
The University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy (CAMP), in partnership with Jefferson Health, has received federal funding to expand and evaluate innovative approaches for initiating medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in emergency departments. The project will compare and refine two evidence-based models—Penn’s ED MOUD + CareConnect telehealth program and Jefferson’s ED MOUD + Bridge in-person care pathway—to increase same-day access to buprenorphine and methadone for patients following overdose or opioid withdrawal.
The research will produce a practical, evidence-informed toolkit to help emergency clinicians identify, treat, and link patients to ongoing addiction care, particularly in underserved communities most affected by overdose in Philadelphia. By embedding peer navigators, streamlining triage screening, and leveraging telehealth and community partnerships, the initiative aims to strengthen hospital-community linkages, reduce treatment disparities, and improve long-term engagement in recovery across diverse health systems.
Available Resources
JACEP OPEN published an article reviewing the impact of peer recovery specialists and community health workers in the Emergency Departments. Click here for the full PDF.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) published an implementation guide for hospital and emergency department substance use disorder care that details recommended substance-related competencies and core standards of care to meet the needs of patients with SUD. Click here for the full report.
Jefferson Addiction Multidisciplinary Service (JAMS) provides services through the Bridge Program, which is a single interdisciplinary care team provides comprehensive, coordinated, relationship-based care across medical outpatient, hospital, emergency department settings as well as addiction treatment system levels of care and recovery residences. In addition to the full spectrum of health needs, the program’s staff supports patients with social needs such as housing, legal aid, and food insecurity.
