Could WA's health 'hub' model treating opioid addiction go nationwide?

Imagine if anyone with an opioid addiction could walk into a local treatment center and receive medication for their addiction, primary care, emotional counseling and many more health and social services — all for free without an appointment.

That’s the promise of the “health engagement hub.” It’s a model credited to Caleb Banta-Green, a research professor in the School of Medicine at the University of Washington. Banta-Green emphasizes he developed it with the help of other researchers, advocates and policymakers.

The hub model has shown signs of success in Washington, including a 68% reduction in overdose mortality rates among around 800 participants, according to preliminary data from the University of Washington. The Legislature funded two hubs in the state last year and spent $3 million in opioid settlement funds this year to establish another three.

Now, Washington U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Democrat, wants to take the concept nationwide.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/06/06/could-was-health-hub-model-treating-opioid-addiction-go-nationwide/