Arkansas Behavioral Health Integration Network

The Arkansas Rural Opioid Use Team Education Overdose Response program (AROUTE-OR) was developed in response to immediate needs in the target area for increased access to Substance Use Disorder (SUD) services in North Arkansas. The one-year project will build capacity of ten emergency departments (EDs) by implementing a nine-hour training and placement program that connects participating EDs with Peer Recovery Support Specialists (PRS) working in the region. During the first four months (December 2023 - March 2024), physician, peer, and behavioral health trainers will provide virtual training (with CEUs/CMEs) for ED/hospital staff and PRS. After training completion, peers will be funded to work an estimated 6-7 hours per week in participating EDs (April 2024 - August 2024). During this time, medical and peer consultants will provide support for ED/hospital staff as they integrate peer services, develop and refine workflows, and train non-peer staff on the value and scope of peer services, and best practices in SUD prevention, treatment, and recovery. Program staff will also support EDs/hospitals in sustainability planning, by providing support for data collection/reporting to demonstrate the impact peer services have on SUD outcomes.