PHOENIX --The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) announces the launch of a new, web-based, opioid services locator to help Arizonans who are looking for services to treat Opioid Use Disorder and where to find Naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal medication.
“The opioid epidemic remains a major public health challenge in Arizona and throughout the U.S.,” said Governor Doug Ducey. “Increasingly, dangerous fentanyl is crossing the border and fueling overdoses in our communities. Arizona has taken serious action to combat the opioid epidemic, including reducing the number of opioid prescriptions written, reducing the total number of pills dispensed and adding significant new funding for treatment. This fight is far from over, and this locator tool is another step to help Arizonans find the treatment they need.”
The new web-based tool is a location-based search engine featuring real-time services, by health plan network, distance, and type of services offered. Users can find certified opioid treatment programs, office-based treatment, residential services, and where to obtain Naloxone.
“The opioid services locator is a unique tool that provides real-time access to multiple services for those in need of opioid treatment,” said Jami Snyder, director of AHCCCS. “Providers will be able to update their availability so that users can quickly find the closest available resource, in real-time, for their specific needs.”
AHCCCS requires its opioid treatment providers to list their services on the locator and keep their availability current. As more providers input their information additional treatment options will populate within the tool. Any provider, whether they serve Medicaid beneficiaries or not, may submit their information on the locator website.
The new opioid services locator tool is funded by two federal State Opioid Response grants that AHCCCS uses to extend services to underinsured and uninsured Arizona residents regardless of Medicaid eligibility.
With these federal grant funds, providers are creating innovative new services to support communities: increasing access to medication-assisted treatment in metropolitan and rural areas in Arizona; emphasizing trauma-informed care and education that is empathetic, sensitive to cultural needs, and information-driven; increasing localized community opioid and stimulant primary prevention efforts including a statewide toolkit on fentanyl, and targeted strategies on counterfeit pills; and enhancing support for opioid-exposed newborns and pregnant women who have opioid use disorder.
Find the new tool on the AHCCCS website at OpioidServiceLocator.azahcccs.gov.
