By: Mindy Domb

Mindy Domb — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 08:49:24 +0000

It is so exciting to see that integration work is receiving such support and attention! Our program, SPHERE, has been working with drug and alcohol treatment providers in Massachusetts to integrate HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, STI/STD, harm reduction and overdose prevention into their work with clients for over 10 years in Massachusetts.
Provider capacity-building services (training, TA, tools) are an essential piece of integration implementation – whether it’s in a health care delivery system or a health and human service program that reaches folks at risk. We shouldn’t assume that health and human service providers don’t need or want this support. They clearly benefit from it, and in our experience, use and appreciate it. Integration also contributes to fighting the stigma that can still exist in some of these settings.
Our work in and out of Massachusetts has shown the importance of – and success in – integrating these issues into client education, assessment and support in behavioral health and recovery settings. Our sister program, SH/HIP (The Statewide Homeless/HIV Integration Project) has had similar experiences working with homeless service providers in homeless shelters on these same issues. But ultimately, it’s the program participants of both drug and alcohol treatment programs and homeless shelters who benefit from the increased access to HIV/AIDS-related information, education, services, medical care, support and referrals.
For more information on our services: http://www.healthimperatives.org/SPHERE or email us at: SPHERE@healthimperatives.org.

Comments on: Integrating Health Services

By: Mindy Domb