SSTAR: 20 years of integrating behavioral health and primary care.

This presentation offers a profile of the CTN community treatment program SSTAR (Stanley Street Treatment and Resources, located in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island). Founded in 1977 as a private, non-profit organization, original programs included a 20 bed alcohol detoxification program, an outpatient alcohol treatment program, and an education program for persons convicted of DUI. From the early days of operation, however, it was clear that many of their patients had additional medical issues, such as diabetes, asthma, liver disease, and more. They also had a high rate of opioid addiction, which led to SSTAR becoming the first provider in the state to offer counseling/testing for HIV in their treatment facility. When they attempted to seek medical help for those who tested positive, they received so much resistance from local primary practice providers that they sought to become a licensed clinic. After a great deal of struggle, SSTAR finally was awarded Look-A-Like Clinic status from the ASSN. However, though their patients now have access to more health resources than ever before, the lack of behavioral health providers in the area means SSTAR cannot meet the current need. The presentation concludes with the program’s future plans, including the implementation of electronic medical records, and desire to remain tireless advocates in the face of complex health care reform.