Addressing Gaps in Substance Use Disorder Treatment: New Community-Driven Approaches

A team of researchers from Michigan State University, in collaboration with local community partners, has embarked on crucial research focused on bridging the gaps in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment within Michigan’s St. Clair County and the city of Port Huron. This initiative aligns with September’s National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, emphasizing the importance of accessible treatment and support resources.

To evaluate the current landscape of services, Amy Drahota, an associate professor in MSU’s Department of Psychology, along with Research Specialist Karren Campbell and Assistant Professor Heatherlun Uphold from MSU’s Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health, analyzed self-reported data from eight substance use treatment organizations across 14 locations. They complemented this data with 20 publicly available social indicators to develop a comprehensive understanding of community health and service availability.

St. Clair County is the second community in Michigan to implement the Health Equity Report Card (HERC) model, developed by MSU researchers and previously used in Genesee County. Findings reveal limited services for pregnant and postpartum women and their families, as well as no dedicated support for single fathers or minors struggling with SUD. Barriers such as inadequate online information about available services further hinder access to care.

The study also uncovered a significant shortage of advanced clinical services, including inpatient and residential treatment options, which are either unavailable or scarce in the county. This insufficiency in services is a likely factor behind St. Clair County’s ranking as the 46th most vulnerable county for substance use issues in Michigan.

Interestingly, most of the existing services are concentrated within a five-block radius in Port Huron, despite the county spanning approximately 721 square miles. This geographic disparity may explain why overdose death rates are 4.5 times higher among St. Clair County residents compared to those in Port Huron.

According to Drahota, the primary goal of this work is to enhance SUD services through data-driven insights that inform funding allocation and policy development. She emphasized that the model used in this project could be replicated across Michigan to address service inequities more broadly.

The researchers also developed two key tools: a digital substance use disorder resource directory aimed at community members, emergency workers, and policymakers, and a Substance Use Disorder Health Equity Report Card (SUD-HERC) designed to guide treatment policies and resource distribution. These tools, shaped by community feedback, aim to foster significant improvements in addiction treatment, policy, and community engagement.

Early feedback indicates these resources are already making an impact. For instance, a local service provider reported successfully using these tools to identify local barriers and secure funding for expanding treatment options. Community co-principal investigator Ken Heuvelman noted the importance of data in supporting grant proposals and expanding access to care.

This innovative approach highlights the importance of localized, data-informed strategies in tackling substance use disorder challenges and promises a model that could enhance services across Michigan, ultimately reducing disparities and improving outcomes for residents.