New time! Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates for SUD Treatment Workforce and Webinar Wednesday March 18 @ 12:00-1:00 pm

Published on

The Executive Office of Human Services (EHS) has made available a series of guidance documents addressing COVID-19 at Mass.gov webpage.   These include specific guidance for Assisted Living Residences, as well as Congregate Care Settings, In-Home Caregivers and Workers (Agency Based and Non-Agency Based), and Community Day Program Settings,  which are based on what is currently known about the transmission and severity of COVID-19.   As each industry group and level of care faces specific challenges associated with implementation based on its population, organizational needs, and service delivery model, these guidelines have been tailored accordingly.   

Guidance documents that may best map to your specific  Substance Use Disorder program type include:

  • Congregate Care= Residential/TSS
  • Community Day= OTP/Outpatient
  • Assisted Living Residences= ATS/CSS

All of these groups are strongly urged to follow core guidelines to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in these settings:

  • Screen employees, vendors, and clients for sickness with fever, new respiratory illness, recent international travel, and close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 14 days.
  • Prepare and educate individuals with updated guidance and policies.
  • Avoid unnecessary out of state or international travel and avoid large gatherings or crowds, and reinforce the practice of good hygiene with staff, vendors, and clients.

We urge programs to access the appropriate guidance document that relates to your program type and review these with your staff with the goal of proactively integrating recommendations into your protocols and policies.    

In addition, a call has been scheduled specifically for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) programs to address with providers concerns and issues relating to COVID-19.  Available on this call will be Dr. Catherine Brown  and Dr. Larry Madoff to provide medical expertise to the discussion.

Due to technical difficulties, the call has been postponed until Wednesday, March 18, from 12-1pm. Information about how to access the call will be distributed to all eligible providers. If you don't receive the invitation but think you should join the call, contact your agency leadership.