Care Navigation at Harm Reduction Programs: Community-Based “Meds First” Buprenorphine Program Preliminary Data

In 2019, the Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute (ADAI) at the University of Washington launched the “Meds First” program to provide onsite, low-barrier access to buprenorphine in partnership with six syringe services programs across WA State.

A key component of the Meds First service model was the addition of care navigation to support client engagement and retention in OUD treatment.

This ADAI report:

• Describes the role of care navigators in buprenorphine treatment at syringe services programs/harm reduction programs.
• Provides preliminary data on the type, length, and content of care navigation activities.
• Discusses lessons learned and the potential opportunities and challenges to expand this service model.

Key Findings:

• Care navigation fits flexibly and productively within community-based harm reduction programs.
• Participants of harm reduction programs want—and use—care navigation services, especially in-person support.
• Providing opioid use disorder treatment with a harm reduction orientation supports honest conversations about drug use.