The Role of CBWs in Addressing SUD
Getting help for medical concerns can be a difficult challenge. From understanding where to simply begin and navigating complex systems to just knowing what resources are available, many people struggle to access the care they need. For individuals with Substance Use Disorder (SUD), this process can be even more overwhelming.
Social stigmas about SUD often prevent individuals from seeking care in the first place. For those that try to access it, they often encounter limited resources or find that services are siloed from one another. These barriers make it difficult to access treatment in a timely manner.
That’s where Community-Based Workers (CBWs) make all the difference.
CBWs can help their clients better navigate complex medical systems and connect them with various resources. They are also well positioned to help clients with SUD, specifically. By acting as a client’s peer, CBWs provide judgment-free support that helps reduce the pressure of social stigmas associated with the illness. Many peers have relevant lived experiences that can further guide their clients to accessing treatment.
In Southwest Washington, we have seen the important role peers play in SUD treatment firsthand. Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health (SWACH) partners with organizations like Lifeline Connections, PeaceHealth, Klickitat Valley Health, and Columbia River Mental Health to provide Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for SUD. This partnership has already made great progress in providing life saving treatment while reducing the social stigmas around the illness. Peers play a crucial role in that success.
Peers are often trained in HealthConnect Pathways, which provides connections to a variety of resources and support agencies across our region. For individuals with SUD, HealthConnect Pathways can provide wrap around support to help with their recovery journey.
“In terms of a cultural shift, the stigma and othering of this work, within the physical health sector has really shifted. Hospitals don't see this as something to hand off,” said Eric McNair Scott, Director of Clinical and Community Linkages at SWACH. “It has to be an integrated, collaborative approach.”
At SWACH, we are grateful for a dedicated community-based workforce for being an integrated part of this work. Without your dedication, the program wouldn’t be the success it is today.
