D.C. Code § 7-1143.02(Perm): Establishment of the Place-Based Substance Use Disorder Outreach Program.

*NOTE: This codification is not the most current. To see the current law, click this link Current Version*

(a)

There is established, within the Department, the Place-Based Substance Use Disorder Outreach Program ("Program"), which shall issue grants to 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations with experience in providing direct supports, relationship development, and resource brokering to individuals in need of substance use treatment and behavioral health services in high-need areas.

(b)

(1)

The Department, in consultation with the grantees, may designate a high-need area for a period of time to be determined by the Department based on programmatic needs, but not to exceed 180 days.

(2)

Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Department may designate a high-need area for a period not to exceed 90 days if the Department determines that emergent circumstances warrant immediate intervention.

(3)

The Department may modify the geographic boundaries of a high-need area if data indicates that substance use activity has shifted to nearby locations.

(c)

In designating a high-need area, the Department shall consider whether, within the preceding 6-month period, there was a disproportionately high rate of:

(1)

Substantiated reports of substance use in public spaces;

(2)

Hospitalizations, overdoses, and deaths from substance use;

(3)

High reoccurrences of the same individuals using substances in the same vicinity; or

(4)

Areas with a high concentration of pedestrian and business interaction with people experiencing substance use disorder.

(d)

For each designated high-need area, the Department shall within 45 days of the designation:

(1)

Notify local businesses, business improvement districts, and relevant community-based organizations of the high-need area designation and provide information on:

(A)

The purpose and scope of the Program, including the services and supports available;

(B)

How to contact the grantee assigned to the area; and

(C)

How to request services or support for individuals who may need substance use disorder treatment or behavioral health services; and

(2)

Make reasonable efforts to ensure that contact information for the assigned grantee is maintained and updated throughout the designation period.

(e)

Beginning 6 months after subchapter III of Chapter 11C of Title 7 is applicable, and annually thereafter, the Department shall publish program performance data, for each designated high-need area, on a publicly accessible website and report that includes:

(1)

Program performance metrics, broken down by location, including the:

(A)

Number of individuals engaged through outreach efforts;

(B)

Number and percentage of individuals engaged more than once and 3 or more times;

(C)

Number of individuals connected to substance use disorder treatment programs, primary healthcare, mental health services, housing assistance, employment support, or other services;

(D)

Number of individuals who successfully attended at least one appointment or intake following referral, to the extent such data is available;

(E)

Average length of time between initial outreach engagement and connection to services;

(F)

Number of overdose reversals or interventions performed using overdose reversal medications;

(G)

Amount of harm reduction supplies distributed; and

(H)

Number of educational sessions, workshops, or prevention activities delivered to target populations, and other performance data as determined by the Director;

(2)

A summary of barriers to individuals receiving services and the steps taken or planned to address those barriers, including:

(A)

Service capacity limitations;

(B)

Eligibility barriers;

(C)

Individual refusal or disengagement; and

(D)

Delays related to housing, insurance, or identification requirements; and

(3)

For each designated high-need area, a narrative describing:

(A)

Observed changes in substance use activity within the area;

(B)

Any displacement of activity to nearby locations;

(C)

Changes made to outreach strategies;

(D)

Outreach and engagement with local businesses, business improvement districts, and community-based organizations; and

(E)

Feedback received from community members, businesses, or service providers, including any efforts made to solicit such feedback.

(f)

The Department shall establish regular interagency coordination meetings, or develop written protocols to support collaboration, with:

(1)

The Metropolitan Police Department;

(2)

The Department of Human Services;

(3)

The Child and Family Services Agency;

(4)

The Department of Health;

(5)

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development; and

(6)

Any other agency the Department deems appropriate.