Partnership to Provide Faster Access to Addiction Treatment
Indiana is launching a tool designed to help connect Hoosiers seeking treatment for substance abuse with available inpatient or residential treatment services. The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration says the tool is the result of a partnership with Washington D.C.-based software company OpenBeds and Indiana 2-1-1.
The partnership was announced by FSSA Secretary Jennifer Walthall and Indiana Executive Director for Drug Prevention, Treatment and Enforcement Jim McClelland. The effort combines OpenBeds technology with Indiana 2-1-1’s database of service providers to give those in need access to addiction treatment options in real time.
"This creative partnership transforms how Hoosiers with substance use disorder are matched with the treatment they urgently need," said Walthall. "When hospitals and medical providers use the OpenBeds platform, the process is streamlined to avoid unnecessary delays in securing available beds for individuals needing treatment so more Hoosiers can be saved from this disease."
The FSSA says, over the past 18 months, the state’s residential treatment capacity has increased 26 percent, thanks to coordinated efforts from the state and nearly $11 million in federal 21st Century Cures Act funds. The partnership will also assist those who receive treatment with ongoing services to help them "return to productive and fulfilling lives, such as help finding a job, housing, transportation and temporary financial or food assistance."