Syringe Service Programs Experience With Low-Threshold Buprenorphine Initiation

Harm reduction programs across the country are piloting or implementing the initiation of low-threshold buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder treatment. It is too early to definitively describe long-term outcomes, but already it is clear that there is significant interest among participants in syringe services programs (SSPs) in learning, and in some cases, initiating buprenorphine treatment or being connected to other medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Practices vary, but in some cases this treatment transitions to a more conventional medical provider and in other cases SSPs continue to manage buprenorphine treatment.

As with all harm reduction programs, key to continued engagement of program participants is the flexible, often mobile services provided by SSPs and the relationships of trust developed by program participants and the staff or volunteers. This option can help close the troubling gap between the demand for culturally competent delivery of medication for MOUD and its availability.

In this session, presenters will discuss why the Biden Administration has emphasized in its inaugural National Drug Control Strategy the importance of SSPs as a platform for initiation of buprenorphine and how such initiatives will be supported. They will highlight findings from the existing and emerging research on delivery of MOUD through SSPs. They will share experiences, including providing telemedicine/telephonic services while working with an SSP to support buprenorphine initiation.