Californians now have a free, confidential way to find lifesaving, high-quality addiction treatment. As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Shatterproof, a national organization focused on guiding communities, removing systemic barriers to recovery, mobilizing the country to advocate for change, and ending addiction stigma, is expanding and bringing its work to California.
The new resources include the Shatterproof Treatment Atlas platform to connect individuals with high-quality, appropriate evidence-based addiction treatment; Unshame California, a science-driven and contact-based campaign that promotes anti-stigma messaging through stories of Californians impacted by a substance use disorder (SUD); and two community walks to celebrate those living in recovery and bring hope to the millions who are still struggling with addiction. Through an investment from the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) over four years, along with funding from Blue Shield of California, both Treatment Atlas and Unshame California align with ongoing statewide initiatives to reduce overdoses, support recovery efforts, and educate the public.
“No one should struggle or die from a preventable and treatable disease. Shatterproof’s work aims to make sure that our nation has trusted, evidence-based guidance and resources to help everyone in need,” said Gary Mendell, founder and CEO of Shatterproof. “With substance use and overdoses at an all-time high in our country, it is critical that we are working with the California Department of Health Care Services and Blue Shield of California to bring our effective impactful programming to Californians. Together, we are stronger than addiction. By working together, we can help so many struggling today.”
Shatterproof Programming
The first resource in the United States to offer many unique features, Treatment Atlas is a confidential, free-to-the-public, nonprofit platform that is publicly available to help people find and compare addiction treatment facilities for SUDs, including alcohol and drugs, so they can make informed decisions for their care. People with a SUD or their loved ones can search the online platform based on criteria, such as location, use of best practices, types of treatment offered, accepted insurers, payment options, specialty populations served, and patient experiences. The platform is currently live in 10 other states and offers a comprehensive list of addiction treatment providers across each respective state, including inpatient, residential, intensive outpatient, and outpatient sites of care. People can also answer ten anonymous questions that assess an individual’s risk and severity to get initial guidance on which addiction treatment options might be best for them. The online screener to assist in guiding the public to the appropriate type of care is informed and endorsed by the American Society of Addiction Medicine. Treatment Atlas includes multilingual education, public awareness, and training materials available in several languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, and Creole. Region-specific materials are created to meet unique community needs, and provider profiles on Treatment Atlas list if services are provided in other languages.
Unshame California is part of the Shatterproof National Stigma Initiative. Addiction stigma leads to tens of thousands of preventable deaths each year. Stigma precludes many from seeking treatment, creates social isolation, and prevents the use of life-saving medications. The Unshame California campaign is working to change that by sharing stories of Californians impacted by SUDs that inspire compassion and hope. The campaign is informed by community members and aims to ensure representation and engagement are reflective of California’s extraordinary diversity. Unshame California will offer monthly webinars with information, resources, and/or training related to, or promoting addiction stigma reduction. Unshame California is available in English and Spanish.
Devastating Effects of Opioids in California
Data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that in 2021, there were 6,843 opioid-related overdose deaths in California, and 5,722 of those deaths were related to fentanyl. There were also 224 fentanyl-related overdose deaths among teens, ages 15-19 years old.
Blue Shield of California’s Commitment to Fighting the Opioid Epidemic
Blue Shield of California’s launch of Treatment Atlas is just one of many initiatives the insurance company has undertaken to combat the opioid crisis in California.
“Blue Shield of California is committed to helping individuals navigate and connect with high-quality substance use treatment and recovery services,” said Jennifer Christian-Herman, vice president of MindBody Medicine at Blue Shield of California. “Our support of Shatterproof will further enhance our efforts to tackle this critical public health issue and direct Californians to evidence-based, patient-focused care that improves outcomes and saves lives.”
Learn More
To learn more about the Shatterproof walks occurring in Los Angeles and San Francisco, visit
shatterproofwalk.org.
For questions about addiction treatment providers in the state of California, email
atlas@shatterproof.org.
To learn more about how to get involved in reducing addiction stigma in California communities, email unshameca@shatterproof.org.
ABOUT SHATTERPROOF:
Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the U.S. Shatterproof harnesses the models of business, the rigor of science, and the power of a national movement to create change and save lives through three pillars of work: revolutionizing the addiction treatment system, breaking down addiction-related stigmas, and supporting and empowering our communities. Find Shatterproof on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube: @ShatterproofHQ or follow us on Instagram at @weareshatterproof. To learn more, visit www.Shatterproof.org. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or a substance use disorder, text SHATTERPROOF to 741741 for help.
