EPICC
The header image is the default header image for the site.HOSPITAL-INITIATED SUBSTANCE USE PROGRAMMING
ENGAGING PATIENTS IN CARE COORDINATION [EPICC]
EPICC is a hospital-initiated substance use program that utilizes peer recovery coaches to connect patients who present to the hospital with a substance use disorder to community-based treatment and expedited access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT). EPICC recovery coaches have lived experience enhancing their ability to connect with patients to encourage treatment, harm reduction practices, and long-term recovery resulting in reduced overdose rates and hospital visits. EPICC collaborates closely with the Missouri Department of Mental Health and the Missouri Institute of Mental Health to provide opioid overdose education and distribute naloxone, a medication that blocks opioids and reverses overdose.
EPICC programming has been integrated in the central, southwestern, eastern, and western regions of the state – serving over 13,000 community members as of February 2022.
Background
Patients routinely present to emergency departments (ED) seeking help with substance use withdrawal and – all too often – needing emergency resuscitation for an opioid overdose. Substance use disorder (SUD) should be managed by integrating a combination of treatment modalities, namely an integrated pharmacological and psychosocial approach to treatment. Utilizing evidenced-based, FDA-approved medicines e.g., buprenorphine in the ED can improve patient engagement and connection to SUD treatment services. The acute needs of patients who present to hospital due to SUD requires service coordination that provides immediate linkages to FDA-approved medications, substance use disorder treatment and recovery supports. For more information, contact:
STATEWIDE ADMINISTRATION
Contact:
Shawn Billings:
Region: Central, Southwest, Western
Agency: Missouri Hospital Association
Contact:
Christie Becker-Markovich:
Region: Eastern
Agency: Behavioral Health Network of Greater St. Louis
Emergency Resources
For Immediate Assistance or to make an EPICC Referral contact the 24/7 Crisis
Hotlines (By Region):
Eastern Region: 314-819-4275
Central Region: 1-800-395-2132
Southwest Region: 1-800-494-7355
Western Region: 1-888-279-8188
Additional Resources:
Prevention— Prevention | dmh.mo.gov
Treatment Services— Get Treatment — NoMoDeaths
Recovery Support Services— Recovery Support Services | dmh.mo.gov