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The Community Opportunity, Network, Navigation, Exploration, and Connection Team (CONNECT) program is the first 24/7 rapid response team, to respond to fatal and non-fatal opioid overdoses and those at high risk of overdose, including their children, in our rural 30-town region.
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CONNECT Hubs
As Franklin County and North Quabbin span nearly 1,000 square miles, CONNECT has four hubs located in the 30-town region. The initiative utilizes an adaptation of the evidence-based Vermont Hub-and-Spoke Model of Care to implement the post-overdose outreach initiative in our rural region. This ensures rapid response times and referrals to appropriate services, which can vary by geography.
CONNECT-WEST
Ashfield, Buckland, Charlemont, Colrain, Hawley, Heath, Monroe, Rowe, Shelburne
CONNECT-NORTH/CENTRAL
Bernardston, Gill, Greenfield, Leyden, Montague, Northfield
CONNECT-SOUTH
Conway, Deerfield, Leverett, Shutesbury, Sunderland, Whately
CONNECT-EAST (NORTH QUABBIN)
Athol, Erving, Orange, New Salem, Petersham, Phillipston, Royalston, Warwick, Wendell
CONNECT is implementing 7 goals during the three-year grant period:
CONNECT GOALS
Community, Opportunity, Network, Navigation, Exploration, and Connection Team
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GOAL ONE
Provide real-time 24/7 assistance to individuals who survived or witnessed an opioid overdose (e.g. family, community members)
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GOAL TWO
Make in-person follow-up visits, within 72 hours, to individuals who survived or witnessed an opioid overdose to assess health and social needs
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GOAL THREE
Deliver comprehensive evidence-based care (e.g. case management, peer support, trauma-informed practices) to connect individuals to pharmacotherapy (e.g. methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone), community-based services and recovery supports
GOAL FOUR
Use “warm handoffs” to ensure opioid overdose survivors and witnesses navigate care across systems
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GOAL FIVE
Expand naloxone availability and appropriate use by first responders and community bystanders focusing on naloxone deserts
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GOAL SIX
Establish a database to track CONNECT participants for care coordination and continuous quality improvement
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GOAL SEVEN
Conduct trainings on protections for “Good Samaritans” (e.g. those who assist during an opioid overdose) and establish safety protocols on fentanyl and other licit/illicit opioids exposure.
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