Waubonsee requests opioid-settlement funds to launch local outpatient substance-use program

Andrea Gomez, representing Waubonsee Mental Health Center, told supervisors the agency is licensed to provide outpatient substance-use treatment for juveniles and adults and asked for settlement funding to help start and sustain the program while the agency pursues reimbursement contracts.

Gomez outlined three funding categories: direct client services (screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment; transportation assistance; evidence-based curriculum); workforce development and support (training, certification fees and supervision costs); and other items such as telehealth expansion, a documentation scribe service and naloxone distribution and education. She said an emergency naloxone box and initial stock would cost about $460 and said transportation support could be set up as modest monthly gas-card assistance.

Gomez said some activity would be reimbursable through a contract with the Iowa Primary Care Association beginning in the next fiscal year, but that the timing of state contracting meant start-up costs would need local support now. "I actually personally believe everybody should carry Narcan," she said when describing overdose-prevention options and public access points.

Gomez told the board Waubonsee will begin services in Clarinda and aims to expand into Red Oak and Shenandoah; she said the program will treat mental-health conditions and substance-use disorder together, which she said improves outcomes. The board took the presentation under advisement and requested time to review the detailed cost chart Gomez provided.

Ending: Supervisors did not make funding commitments at the meeting but said they would consider Gomez's written request and supporting materials.