Multiple nonprofit providers described existing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) clinics, warm-handoff programs and comprehensive outpatient services and asked the subcommittee to consider targeted investments to expand capacity.

Kelly Dobner and Anthony Mueller of Samaritas described a statewide outpatient SUD program that currently operates seven self-sustaining clinics serving thousands of people and that requires startup capital to replicate. Samaritas said it operates seven clinics (with three more planned), has helped more than 7,100 people begin treatment over recent years and provides services that include medication-assisted treatment, intensive outpatient and recovery coaching. Anthony Mueller said startup costs are a barrier and that some settlement dollars could be used to finance sites that become self-sustaining after an initial period.

Representatives from Judson Center described an established office-based opioid treatment (OBOT) and MAT program in Macomb County that serves approximately 300 people annually, provides same-day or next-day appointments, and integrates primary care and community health workers to address social determinants of health. Judson emphasized warm-handoff partnerships with health systems and law enforcement to connect people from emergency departments and jails to ongoing treatment.

Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO) and Dutton Farm emphasized integrated housing, street medicine and transportation barriers. Dutton Farm recommended a capacity-building fund and a competitive grant process to provide one-time capital purchases — for example, vehicles for transportation — that unlock billing and Medicaid reimbursement for recurring services.

What was not decided: No formal funding allocations were approved. Witnesses were asked to supply additional budget and operational details.

Next steps: Providers said they will submit detailed proposals for startup and capacity-building funding that can layer with Medicaid-authorized billing and community partnerships.