Overview
Cost-Effective, Coordinated Care for Caregivers and Substance Exposed Newborns Summary
The “Cost-Effective, Coordinated Care for Caregivers and Substance Exposed Newborns” (C4SEN) investment program builds upon a history of HPC investments aligned with the Massachusetts legislature’s priorities for expanded access to evidence-based, appropriate addiction treatment. Investments made through C4SEN will support efforts to improve the quality of care for SEN and their caregivers. The HPC also recognizes the social marginalization of those with substance use disorders (SUD) and inequities that have been cultivated by stigma and other structural forces. With this in mind, C4SEN supports programs that aim to provide culturally competent care that is free of stigma and bias.
Through the C4SEN investment program, the HPC is supporting the development of care models that promote collaboration among primary care and specialty providers, behavioral health providers, and social service agencies. Through the C4SEN initiative, infants and their caregivers will be connected to cost-effective treatments, care options, and resources – including Early Intervention (EI) and medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) – that can improve outcomes and help mitigate future health care and systemic costs.
Funded programs meet the following requirements while addressing health equity considerations for the target population:
- Support infants and caregivers for a minimum of 12 months following birth;
- Coordinate with outpatient providers and/or directly provide access to pediatric services, adult primary care, and adult behavioral health, including evidence-based SUD treatment – particularly MOUD -- for the caregiver;
- Collaborate with community-based and/or social service organizations to meet the non-medical needs (including health-related social needs) of caregivers and infants;
- Ensure that infants who are experiencing or at risk for developmental delays have access to supportive services, including EI; and
- Provide culturally competent care that is that is free of stigma and bias.
C4SEN Awardees
On April 14 2021, the HPC Board of Commissioners approved funds totaling $1.46 million dollars to be awarded to five Massachusetts hospitals to support their proposed C4SEN programs over a 21-month implementation period. Awardees and their funding amounts are:
|
Baystate Franklin Medical Center |
$299,993 |
|
Berkshire Medical Center |
$300,000 |
|
Mercy Medical Center* |
$299,978 |
|
Southcoast Health |
$287,541 |
|
South Shore Hospital |
$274,030 |
* Mercy Medical Center had a shortened implementation period, and the total amount expended by the HPC was less than the award amount.