Tackling Overdose with Networks (TOWN)

Tackling Overdose with Networks (TOWN) is a clinic-based model promoting an approach that includes multiple strategies to reduce opioid overdose within communities by:

• Increasing access to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) also known as Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).
• Increasing community care coordination and prevention efforts.

TOWN Program Strategies

• Designating a care coordinator/navigator to manage the relationship between the health care system and patients.
• Appointing a provider champion to strengthen capacity, expand access within the clinic and neighboring clinics and support long-term sustainability.  
• Delivering continuous technical guidance and support to medical providers considering prescribing medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD).
• Provide short term, low threshold telehealth access for MOUD bridging and comprehensive assessments to patients.
• Creating opportunities to partner with established community task forces that bring together behavioral health professionals, law enforcement, EMS, public health agencies, and a range of non-profit and for-profit organizations.
• Support Naloxone distribution within the clinic and the community.
• Integrate the Prescription Monitoring Program into clinical workflows.
• Implement multidisciplinary care teams focused on the management of controlled substances.  

TOWN Participating Clinics

TOWN Program Resources

• TOWN Implementation Overview (PDF)
• TOWN Evaluation Summary- Model Implementation and Best Practices (PDF)
• TOWN Evaluation Emergent Outcomes (PDF)
• TOWN Manual (PDF)

Contact health.drugodprev@state.mn.us for further information on TOWN.