Overdose deaths from opioids continue to rise in the U.S. and it is challenging for many people with substance use disorder to access lifesaving, evidence-based treatment. Emergency departments (ED) are on the frontlines of the overdose crisis, providing 24/7 acute care for the needs of people experiencing overdose and other drug-related medical needs. New models housed in or adjacent to EDs — called “bridge clinics” — offer timely evidence-based treatment, including initiation of medications for opioid use disorder, and linkages to ongoing care in the community.

The CA Bridge program in California has supported the rapid implementation of the evidence-based bridge clinic model at more than 180 EDs across the state. In each hospital, a lead clinician and a substance use navigator — often with lived experience of behavioral health conditions — play key roles on interdisciplinary teams to help patients initiate care and access follow-up services. The Better Care Playbook spoke with Arianna Campbell, PA-C, director and co-principal investigator for CA Bridge and an ED physician assistant, to better understand how the bridge model came about and how it works.