Title
Authorize the Chief Executive Officer for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or his designee to execute the Professional Services Agreement with Access Support Network for the provision of medical care and education services by Natividad physicians at Access Support Network Syringe Exchange Program for the period June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022. There is no cost for this Agreement.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Authorize the Chief Executive Officer for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or his designee to execute the Professional Services Agreement with Access Support Network for the provision of medical care and education services by Natividad physicians at Access Support Network Syringe Exchange Program for the period June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022. There is no cost for this Agreement.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Natividad Family Medicine Residency Program is partnering with Access Support Network to provide low barrier access to medication for opioid use disorder. This weekly clinic will take place at the Syringe Exchange Program in the encampment area of Salinas Chinatown, bringing much needed access to addiction treatment for people who are vulnerable and marginalized. Syringe Exchange currently serves over 400 unique individuals with supplies and information to reduce the incidence of overdose and other harms caused by drug use. Many of these participants have expressed an interest in recovery from drug addiction, but encounter many barriers to accessing care in traditional settings.
Access Support Network desires assistance in physician services to provide medical direction and coordination of care to patients the Syringe Exchange Program. Natividad will make available a sufficient number qualified physicians to provide this service. By bringing treatment access to where people are, the Low Barrier Access Project will serve hard-to-reach populations that have been historically underserved by the healthcare system. Throu...
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