The Challenge

The addiction and overdose crises in the United States is overwhelming. More than 100,000 people die from drug overdose in the U.S. annually. The CDC estimates 75% of the 100,000 people who died from overdose in 2021 were opioid overdoses. There are many roadblocks to treating opioid addiction, but hospital emergency department treatment doesn’t have to be one.

How We Helped

Reverse the Cycle is Mosaic Group’s comprehensive hospital substance use response program. The program is centered on streamlining emergency departments overdose response, medication-assisted treatment, combined with interventions led by peer recovery coaches. 

The program begins with a ‘change team.’ This team plans and implements the model over a year-long process which includes:

• Assessment of each agency’s workflow
• Development of customized protocols
• Training of all staff
• Integrating and embedding program interventions into each agency’s workflows and within each agency’s electronic health records
• Collecting data to assure continuous improvement in quality of care
• Providing technical assistance as needed

Our Impact

Since 2006, Mosaic Group has implemented Reverse the Cycle across the country in states and cities with the highest rate of overdose deaths—Maryland, South Carolina, West Virginia, Michigan, Kentucky, as well as the District of Colombia. We have integrated the program in myriad facilities including hospital emergency departments, primary care centers, OBGYN practices, school-based health centers, pediatric practices, and detention centers.

Take a look at some news, reports, and studies that detail our success:

• White Paper: Models for Implementing Emergency Department-initiated Buprenorphine with Referral for Ongoing Medication Treatment at Emergency Department Discharge in Diverse Academic Centers
• Report: One Million Screened: Scaling Up SBIRT and Buprenorphine Treatment in Hospital Emergency Departments Across Maryland
• Meritus Health—Implementing Protocols to Improve Opioid Patient Care
• UMMC President Discusses Mosaic Group’s ‘Reverse The Cycle’ Program on Crosswinds
• Mosaic Group’s Medication-Assisted Treatment work recognized by the Pew Charitable Trusts