Get Ready for IMPACT: New Program at CMHA
Over the past five years, the overdose rate in Connecticut has increased by 61%, and the number of homeless individuals has nearly doubled in the past year alone. To combat the opioid epidemic, CMHA has recently launched a new program: IMPACT (Intensive MAT Person Approach Community Treatment).
Leading this initiative is Program Coordinator Marisa Giaccotto (front left) and her team (clockwise): Clinician Manny Sandoval, Recovery Specialist Rob Skrzypek, Peer Navigator Olivia Rowen, Clinician Tina Nassetta, and Recovery Specialist Dionna Talareva.
Funded through a $2.625 million, five-year grant from the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the program will expand access to treatment and reduce opioid use among homeless, at risk individuals through outreach and embedded services with three local, collaborating shelters.
"I am most looking forward to helping clients access housing resources," said Giaccotto, "and live healthier lives by overcoming their opioid use disorder."