Ep. 106 – Hub & Spoke, Creating a Continuum of Care: Barbara Cimaglio, Vermont Department of Health

Ep. 106 – Hub & Spoke, Creating a Continuum of Care: Barbara Cimaglio, Vermont Department of Health

Imagine a healthcare system where every person struggling with opioid addiction gets the care they need, right when they need it. In this episode of Cover 2 Resources, Greg sits down with Barbara Cimaglio, the Deputy Commissioner for the Vermont Department of Health, to talk about the groundbreaking Hub & Spoke model. Launched in 2012, this initiative aims to create a seamless continuum of care for those battling substance abuse disorders in Vermont.

Barbara explains how the model integrates specialized addiction treatment centers, known as hubs, with primary care settings, or spokes. The hubs offer therapies like methadone and buprenorphine, while the spokes provide ongoing support in more decentralized locations, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care no matter where they are. One of the standout features of this episode is the focus on reducing stigma around substance abuse.

Barbara emphasizes that addiction is a disease and highlights the importance of raising awareness and encouraging people to seek help. She shares some inspiring success stories and discusses how the alliance collaborates with primary insurance companies to cover extensive care. Whether you're someone directly affected by opioid addiction or simply interested in innovative healthcare solutions, this episode offers valuable insights into how Vermont is tackling this crisis head-on.

Tune in to learn more about the Hub & Spoke model and how it’s making a difference in the fight against opioid addiction.