Integrating BuprenorphineTreatment for Opioid Use Disorder in HIV Primary Care

AIDS United, in conjunction with the Human Resources Services Administration (HRSA) Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS), have invited the Bluegrass Care Clinic (BCC) to compete for grant funding focused on integrating buprenorphine treatment into HIV primary care. The purpose of this grant is twofold: 1) integrate medically assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder in HIV primary care clinics and 2) Study the implementation process to determine feasibility of widespread dissemination of MAT into HIV primary care. The Bluegrass Care Clinic intends to compete for this funding in order to better serve people living with HIV/AIDS in central and eastern Kentucky. It is estimated that approximately 137,000 Kentuckians aged 18 and older have used pain relievers for a nonmedical purpose in the last year and 87,000 Kentuckians 18 and older meet criteria for substance use disorder (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSA), 2016 ). Additionally, an estimated 83.9% of individuals who need substance use disorder treatment are not currently receiving treatment (SAMSHA, 2016). The Bluegrass Care Clinic hopes to provide additional resources for people living with HIV/AIDS to receive much needed treatment for substance use disorder, particularly opioid use disorder. The Bluegrass Care Clinic will work to improve access to medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorder by training two physicians to treat opioid use disorder with buprenorphine, which has been approved for use in primary care settings. Additionally, a clinical coordinator will provide in person and telephonic substance use counseling and referrals for local mental health and/or substance use counseling as necessary. Funding from AIDS United will be used to provide the necessary training and implementation assistance needed to begin medication assisted treatment for opioid users at the Bluegrass Care Clinic. It is our hope that at the end of the three]year grant, these services have been fully incorporated into the services provided by the Bluegrass Care Clinic and any additional funding may be provided by other HRSA grants the Bluegrass Care Clinic receives.