New grant transforms emergency care for substance use and mental health

Providence St. Joseph Hospital recently received a significant grant from the California Bridge Program to support our Substance Use Navigator (SUN) Program. This transformative community health initiative addresses the pressing issue of caring for patients with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions who land in our Emergency Care Center (ECC).

The program recognizes substance use disorder as a treatable medical emergency and leverages our ECC as a primary access point for care. By integrating trained substance use navigators into our ECC, Providence St. Joseph provides patients with timely and effective intervention and treatment.

The program creates a nonjudgmental atmosphere in the ECC, encouraging patients to disclose substance use and seek help without fear of being stigmatized. For patients with co-occurring mental health conditions, our navigators guide them to outpatient treatment facilities, ensuring continuity of care beyond the ECC visit.

Impact of philanthropy

The grant to support the SUN Program exemplifies how philanthropy can profoundly impact our community’s most vulnerable populations. By investing in this initiative, Providence St. Joseph enhances our emergency services and fulfills our mission to provide compassionate care to those in need.

“The Substance Use Navigator Program is a game-changer for our emergency department,” says Amy Daugherty, chief philanthropy officer. “Many in our community are touched by this. Philanthropy allows us to treat substance use disorders and mental health conditions as urgent medical issues, providing patients and their families with immediate support and resources.”