Saving Lives Beyond the Emergency Department:
A Partnership for Recovery and Support
Crossroads is collaborating with emergency departments (EDs) to ensure patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) have access to outpatient treatment immediately after discharge. Without a clear, structured plan for continued care, many of these individuals fall through the cracks, returning to the ED in crisis, or worse. By providing a direct pathway to medication-based recovery support, we help EDs improve patient outcomes and reduce readmissions.
The Urgent Need in Emergency Departments
The opioid epidemic continues to overwhelm EDs, stretching resources thin and challenging healthcare providers to address not only the immediate crisis but also long-term recovery needs. In 2023, approximately 108,000 drug overdose deaths occurred according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), averaging nearly 300 lives lost per day. This figure does not include the countless non-fatal overdoses that crowd already overburdened EDs. Every ED faces unique challenges in treating SUD patients, including:
- Limited time and resources to provide comprehensive addiction care.
- Lack of direct connections to long-term effective treatment solutions.
- Overcrowding due to repeated ED visits from SUD patients in crisis.
Crossroads understands these challenges and is committed to being a reliable and highly effective partner, ensuring seamless transitions from emergency care to long-term SUD recovery.
Choosing Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment offers flexibility and independence, which are essential for many individuals navigating recovery. Unlike inpatient programs, where individuals must stay at a facility for an extended period, our outpatient treatment allows patients to live at home while attending regular therapy sessions and receiving medical support. This approach makes it easier to continue managing life’s responsibilities while getting the care and structure necessary for successful recovery.
The Next Step: Ensuring Safe Discharge Plans
Partnering with Crossroads ensures patients receive immediate access to ongoing care through Instant Intake®, a same-call, virtual visit with a licensed provider who can provide bridge prescriptions when medically appropriate.
Research shows that the use of medications with measurement-based care, care coordination and peer support offered by Crossroads significantly reduces ED visits and hospital readmissions for SUD patients.
A referral partnership with Crossroads means:
- Fewer readmissions: Patients engaged in treatment are less likely to return to the ED in crisis.
- Better patient outcomes: Continued care supports long-term recovery and reduces overdose risk.
- Stronger community impact: Addressing the root cause of addiction helps create healthier, more stable communities.