RFA - Substance Abuse Consultation/Behavioral Integration with Primary Care for Substance Abuse Maryland Addiction Consultation Services (MACS)

This contract involves a comprehensive initiative to promote and facilitate informed decision-making regarding the use of buprenorphine for opioid use disorder treatment across Maryland's behavioral health system. The service encompasses public awareness campaigns, a telephone consultation platform, provider training and technical assistance, and the development and maintenance of a supportive infrastructure to expand buprenorphine prescribing. A key focus is addressing disparities in access and prescribing practices, which are often driven by stigma, lack of education, and systemic barriers. To achieve this, the program emphasizes increasing telemedicine utilization, especially in underserved areas, and engaging healthcare providers through outreach and training to enhance their capacity to prescribe buprenorphine effectively. The project will operate in all 24 jurisdictions within Maryland, offering both virtual and in-person services. It aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders and experts from diverse disciplines, including behavioral health, medicine, and public health, to ensure a coordinated approach to expanding access. The contract, managed by the Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, has a budget range of $500,000 to $2,000,000 and is set to respond by December 17, 2024. The initiative underscores a strategic effort to improve equitable access to evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder, ultimately supporting systemic change and better health outcomes across the state.