Public Health Nursing and Substance Abuse Services Team

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2013

The Prior Authorization Central Evaluation (PACE) program at the Oakland County Health Division (OCHD), Office of Substance Abuse Services (OSAS) is a unit that serves as the access point for publically funded substance abuse treatment. PACE’s primary goal is to address a client’s readiness for change and screen, authorize service, and refer to appropriate treatment services. The Health Division PACE Care Manager staff has identified multiple health issues of clients for many years. Recognizing missed opportunities to assess and educate clients about chronic health issues, risk reduction strategies, access to health care and activities to prevent illness was the impetus to enhance addressing clients overall health and well-being. Incorporating a Public Health Nurse with a clinical understanding of client’s health related needs and a working knowledge of community resources into the PACE program was identified as the best solution to improving client health.