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Closing the Gap: Mosaic Group’s New Harm Reduction Toolkits

News, Resources and Reports

Closing the Gap: Mosaic Group’s New Harm Reduction Toolkits

Mosaic Group is launching two comprehensive toolkits to guide harm reduction practices when providing care and services to those using substances.

Understanding Harm Reduction

As defined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Harm reduction is “a practical and transformative approach that incorporates community-driven public health strategies — including prevention, risk reduction, and health promotion — to empower people who use drugs (and their families) with the choice to live healthy, self-directed, and purpose-filled lives.”

It embodies a set of person-centered interventions grounded in principles of dignity, respect, and compassion, prioritizing the health and well-being of people who use drugs.

“Harm reduction is pivotal in preventing drug-related fatalities and improving treatment accessibility. It’s crucial for those involved in treating or providing services to people who use drugs to be equipped with comprehensive knowledge on how to implement such life-saving strategies,” emphasizes Marla Oros, founder and chief executive officer of Mosaic Group.

“These toolkits serve as a valuable resource to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application. They assist healthcare staff and service providers in prioritizing the well-being of people who use drugs, just as they would with any other patients or clients.”  

About the Toolkits

Mosaic Group, with support from the National Harm Reduction Technical Assistance Center, has developed two toolkits focused on promoting harm reduction within hospitals and community settings.

Each toolkit includes:

  • A definition of the harm reduction approach, including principles, rationale, and specific strategies.
  • Insights into the unique challenges associated with providing care to people who use substances, along with best practices for overcoming them.
  • Specific actions a hospital or community setting can take to implement harm reduction strategies.

Access the Toolkits

To access these invaluable resources and enhance harm reduction practices, simply click on the links below:

About Mosaic Group

Mosaic Group remains committed to empowering communities and healthcare professionals to prioritize the well-being of people who use drugs and uphold the principles of harm reduction. If your organization is interested in more information about our services or help with addressing substance use, contact us today at 410-852-4263 or email [email protected].

Download the Toolkits

Tools for Providers & Practice Staff

Getting Started with Buprenorphine

Audience: Provider

Purpose: This guide helps providers support patients interested in MOUD, covering patient assessment, treatment, follow-up, and billing codes.

Provider Information on Medications

Audience: Provider

Purpose: A quick reference for providers to support shared decision-making with patients by offering detailed information on each MOUD medication.

MOUD Quick Induction Guide

Audience: Provider

Purpose: A practical step-by-step tool for providers initiating patients on MOUD, offering best practice guidance for prescribing during induction.

“How To Take Buprenorphine At Home” Induction Guide

Audience: Patient

Purpose: This tool provides patients with step-by-step instructions how to take Buprenorphine and explains potential side effects.

Precipitated Withdrawal

Audience: Provider

Purpose: This tool covers symptoms of precipitated withdrawal, challenges, prevention strategies, and treatment options.

Medical Assistant and Office Staff FAQs

Audience: Provider/Practice Staff

Purpose: This tool addresses common patient and staff questions, covering opioid withdrawal, scheduling, and medication refills.

Billing and Coding for Office-Based Treatment

Audience: Provide/Practice Staff

Purpose: This tool provides guidance on billing and reimbursement, including toxicology testing, telehealth modifiers, and Medicare codes.

Prescriber Resource Guide

Audience: Provide/Practice Staff

Purpose: This guide lists Maryland-specific resources for patients needing a higher level of substance use or mental health treatment, or having social needs.  It also includes prescriber resources for MOUD.

Point of Care Testing in Primary Care

Audience: Provider

Purpose: A comprehensive guide for initiating CLIA-waived point of care lab testing (POCT) in primary care settings in cluding information on certification.

Tools for Patients

Patient-Provider Treatment Agreement

Audience: Patient

Purpose: A customizable treatment agreement to outline program expectations and safety precautions, establishing a shared understanding between patients and providers.

MOUD Medications Overview

Audience: Patient

Purpose: A patient-friendly document detailing all available MOUD options, highlighting the benefits and risks to involve patients in shared decision-making.

“How To Take Buprenorphine At Home” Induction Guide

Audience: Patient

Purpose: This tool provides patients with step-by-step instructions how to take Buprenorphine and explains potential side effects.

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