Correlates of Program Success and Recidivism among Participants in an Adult Pre-Arrest Diversion Program

First Responder Assertive Linkage Programs: A Scoping Review of Interventions to Improve Linkage to Care for People Who Use Drugs

“…A fifth connection strategy, low-threshold access , streamlined linkage for individuals28–30,33,34,36,37,41,43 or referring first responders 33,34. Examples of the former included same-day telehealth appointments for buprenorphine within 24 hours, with bridge scripts as needed,36,37 in-house counseling, groups, or detoxification,33,34,36,37 or same-day, fast-tracked, or guaranteed admission 28–30,41,43.…”

“…Three studies28–30 measured completion of a 90-day behavioral health program, with the most recent30 showing that 91% of individuals completed intake and 84%, the program. Relatively few (2%), however, screened positive for substance use; furthermore, those who did were twice as likely to leave early 29. A final study,34 using a nonequivalent control, found that, 1 year after linkage, individuals were significantly more likely to report counseling and medication compliance.…”

“…In one program,29 eligibility included victim approval. Police, the only involved first responders in this program type, had multiple roles: identifying individuals,23,24,32–35 determining program eligibility,23–30 transferring case information to a service provider,28 and providing transportion 33…”

“…33,34 Examples of the former included same-day telehealth appointments for buprenorphine within 24 hours, with bridge scripts as needed, 36,37 in-house counseling, groups, or detoxification, 33,34,36,37 or same-day, fast-tracked, or guaranteed admission. [28][29][30]41,43 One program [28][29][30] guaranteed admission by referring individuals to the same behavioral health provider and forwarding case information in advance, although eligibility requirements and lack of transportation assistance likely made this option higher threshold for some. When directed toward first responders, low-threshold access involved no-refusal policies and 30-to 60-minute intake procedures.…”

“…23 In one program, 29 eligibility included victim approval. Police, the only involved first responders in this program type, had multiple roles: identifying individuals, 23,24,[32][33][34][35] determining program eligibility, [23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] transferring case information to a service provider, 28 and providing transportion. 33 Five studies [36][37][38][39][40] described 23 postoverdose programs focused on individuals who recently overdosed or their personal networks.…”