Substance Use Services
DBHDS oversees federal and state funding for substance use services. We prepare members of our agency and partners to provide quality and quick care through grants, specialized training and education, and information and guidance.
State Opioid Response (SOR) Grant
DBHDS oversees the State Opioid Response (SOR) Discretionary Grant funds for treatment, prevention, and recovery.
SOR addresses the opioid overdose crisis by providing resources to increase the accessibility and effectiveness of FDA approved medications to treat opioid use disorder.
To be eligible for SOR grants, the funds must be used for the following purposes:
- To stabilize those with Opioid Use Dependency (OUD), another stimulant use disorder, or associated conditions such as mental and physical illnesses in a specialized treatment facility
- To support addiction specialty care programs that use of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) along with psychosocial services
- To address the full continuum of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support services for transitional aged youth and young adults (ages 16–25)
- To supply prevention and education services that will help First Responders and other key community members to recognize signs of opioid overdose and how to use naloxone and other opioid overdose medications
- To develop evidence-based community prevention efforts, such as strategic messaging on the consequences of opioid and stimulate misuse, particularly focused on the dangers of counterfeit fentanyl pills targeted to youth
Learn more about Virginia SOR Grants
Virginia SOR Grant Annual Report 2022-2023
You can also contact Iva Brown, at Iva.Brown@dbhds.virginia.gov, if you have any questions.
Opioid Treatment
The State Opioid Treatment Authority (SOTA)
The SOTA oversees Opioid Treatment Programs in each state. Federal regulations (42 CRF, Part 8) outline the rules for how OTPs should operate, but some responsibilities can vary by state.
SOTA in Virginia
Diane Oehl
1220 Bank St. Richmond, VA
Phone: (804) 216-2724
Fax: (804) 786-9248
Email: diane.oehl@dbhds.virginia.gov
Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP)
OTPs provide people with FDA approved medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and ensure patients can access other counseling and behavioral health therapies.
You can learn more about OTPs and counseling services from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. You can learn more about the federal regulations of OTPs from the Federal Register.
To provide services for OUD patients, OTPs must successfully complete the certification and accreditation process.
Mobile Methadone Units (MMUs)
MMUs are mobile or non-mobile teams that are part of Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) and provide many of the same services. MMUs are also subject to the same regulations and must be recertified regularly.
The OTP program sponsor can receive a certification for an MMU.
You can apply for a certification with the Opioid Treatment Program Reporting System.
You can acquire licensing through DBHDS.
The Mobile Medication Assisted Treatment Units (MMATU)
MOUDs provide services to people who experience systemic barriers to healthcare access. The services they provide can include:
- Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
- Psychical examinations and screenings
- Peer support, counseling, and harm reduction services
There are currently four MMATUs operated by CSBs. You can talk with the CSB staff to discuss how they set up their MMATU and develop your own.
- Eastern Shore Community Services Board (Location: 24233 Lankford Hwy, Tasley, VA 23441
- Piedmont Community Services (Location: 24 Clay Street, Martinsville, VA 24112)
- Valley Community Services Board (Location: 85 Sanger’s Lane, Staunton VA 24401)
- Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Healthcare (Location: 224 Great Bridge Boulevard, Chesapeake, VA 23320)
