The EPICC Program by CommCARE, is one of the first programs of its kind in the state of Missouri to fight the Opioid Crisis.  EPICC is an acronym for Engaging Patients in Care Coordination. Based upon successful implementation of the state's first EPICC program in St. Louis, the EPICC Program promotes a ‘Medication First’ model through transitions of care. The EPICC Program has now expanded to include stimulant and alcohol services to continue to support individuals struggling in our community. When a call to the hotline is received, a Certified Peer Recovery Coach will respond within 24 hours, 24/7, providing person centered care and support to that individual. EPICC’s Certified Peer Recovery Coaches have lived experience and can uniquely connect with the individual, understanding fears, physical withdraws and apprehension of seeking treatment.

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EPICC collaborates with the Missouri Hospital Association, Missouri Department of Mental Health, six community mental health centers and six Kansas City-area hospitals to ensure patients are connected to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), Substance Use and Mental Health treatment, and community resources to enhance the recovery process. EPICC provides Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution.

 

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS: Tri-County Mental Health, Comprehensive Mental Health, Swope Health, ReDiscover, University Health, and Heartland Center for Behavioral Change.

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• EPICC serves Jackson, Clay, Platte, and Ray counties in the state of Missouri. 

• EPICC will help any hospital-referred patient with an overdose stemming from opioids, stimulants or alcohol who is 16 years or older.

• EPICC will visit any floor of the hospital, not just the Emergency Department. 

• EPICC helps in interventions for individuals who are identified as High Risk for Opioid, stimulant and alcohol abuse and overdose, including pregnant women.

 

Dr. Doug Burgess, Addictions Psychiatrist and Medically Assisted Treatment Provider at Truman Medical Centers, said, “The opioid epidemic is the most severe substance-use-related epidemic in the history of the United States. Traditional approaches to treatment have been ineffective, and deaths continue to accumulate. Communities that have expanded access to effective treatments by extending services to standard medical settings have demonstrated a remarkable reduction in mortality rates. It is imperative that our medical community reduce unnecessary barriers and obstacles to accessing lifesaving medication.”

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To read about the program's 2019 launch, please visit our page here.