Hub and Spoke System State Opioid Response IV (H&SS SOR IV) Program
Provides grant funding and technical assistance to Medi-Cal providers licensed to deliver mental health and substance use disorder services in their work to increase access and uptake of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) throughout California.
Expanding Access to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
The California H&SS Program aims to improve access to MOUD services (also known as medication-assisted treatment [MAT]), thereby reducing opioid and stimulant-related overdoses and deaths. The program supports networks of providers across the state to offer prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services.
Treatment Expansion
Collaboration Among H&SS Providers
Evidence-Based Prevention & Recovery Services
Improved Patient Care
Networks of Providers and Partners
The H&SS System Program is focused on building networks of providers to meet the needs of people with opioid use disorder (OUD) and their families across all regions of California. In this system “Hubs”—licensed Narcotic Treatment Programs (NTPs) providing methadone—collaborate with associated “Spokes”—entities like Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that provide other formulations of MOUD and other SUD services. Through regional Hub and Spoke Systems, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) aims to ensure that the highest quality evidence-based OUD services are available to Californians no matter where they live. This framework effectively expands access to life-saving treatment and recovery supports for OUD to more individuals, their families, and communities.
Intensive OUD Treatment and Expertise
H&SS Program Hubs are NTPs that are licensed to dispense methadone and other FDA-approved medications. Hubs can provide clinical support and engage with mutual patient referrals to their associated Spokes to support linkages and promote a robust system of MOUD providers.
Local Services
H&SS Program Spokes represent an array of health care providers including FQHCs, SUD treatment programs, community health centers (CHCs), hospitals, and Medi-Cal enrolled Indian Health Care Program providers, that address treatment of OUD and SUD prevention, treatment, and recovery throughout the state. Many Spokes integrate OUD and SUD treatment into primary or general medical care. Spokes often support underserved communities in the state with much-needed OUD treatment.
Increasing MOUD Prescribers and Prescriptions
A goal of the H&SS Program is to increase the number of providers across the state that are equipped to prescribe MOUD. MOUD, alone or in combination with psychosocial and other treatment, is the gold standard for treating opioid use disorder. MOUD supports recovery, reduces cravings, prevents overdose, and saves lives. These medications help to regulate brain chemistry, block destructive and euphoric effects of opioids, relieve physiological cravings, and normalize body functions without the negative effects of the substance previously used. The three FDA approved medications for OUD are buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone.
In addition to prescribing MOUD, Hubs and Spokes provide high quality on-site clinical care, telehealth services, outreach to underserved and marginalized individuals with OUD, case management, and referrals or services for mental health care. They also provide education to family and friends of persons in treatment to support recovery as well as outreach to their communities. H&SS funded sites provide treatment and recovery services regardless of an individual’s insurance status.
Find Treatment Now
To find treatment options near you for mental and substance use disorders, use treatment locators FindTreatment.gov or the Treatment Atlas. You can also find substance use disorder services through your county access line.
If you are having a medical emergency call 911. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat online at 988california.org.