Empowering Communities through Integrated Care
For over 30 years, HIPS has supported the health and dignity of individuals affected by sex work and drug use through harm reduction services, advocacy, and peer-led initiatives. As a Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) provider and recipient of a Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) State Opioid Response (SOR) grant, HIPS identified an urgent need to enhance its referral systems to better connect clients to behavioral health, primary care, and social services.
Approach
In collaboration with Integrated Care DC coaches, HIPS undertook the following steps to strengthen its referral processes:
- Assessed the unmet needs of its community.
- Identified and prioritized potential referral partners.
- Facilitated meetings to establish clear expectations for referral relationships.
- Built a tracking system within its existing data platform to support closed-loop referrals.
- Engaged in discussions with CRISP DC to explore enhanced data-sharing capabilities.
- Evaluated Medicaid billing opportunities to sustain its programs.
Results
With the guidance of Integrated Care DC during Year 4:
- HIPS refined its list of referral partners and initiated collaborations with priority providers.
- A new referral tracking system was launched in June 2024, enhancing communication and accountability.
- CRISP DC consultations laid the groundwork for advanced tracking solutions.
- Medicaid billing analysis commenced, supporting long-term program sustainability.
What’s Next?
HIPS is monitoring referral outcomes to optimize its processes and expand partnerships. By leveraging Medicaid, the organization aims to secure its capacity to provide holistic care to underserved populations.
Voices from HIPS
“Our collaboration with Integrated Care DC has transformed how we build partnerships. The coaching team provided tailored resources and ongoing support aligned with our unique needs. Their expertise has been invaluable in creating sustainable and standardized systems.”
— MAT Clinic Manager, Quality Manager, and Community Health Worker Team, HIPS
By integrating DBH’s vision of accessible, quality behavioral health services with its community-focused model, HIPS exemplifies the power of coordinated care in addressing the opioid crisis and broader health disparities.