The Place-Based Substance Use Disorder Outreach Amendment Act of 2025 aims to establish a permanent outreach program within the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) to support individuals in need of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and behavioral health services in high-need areas. This legislation builds on the success of a pilot program funded since 2021, which has demonstrated significant positive outcomes, including a 51% decrease in nonfatal overdoses in specific locations. The new program will provide direct support, relationship development, and resource brokering, ensuring that these essential services continue without interruption.

The bill introduces new definitions and establishes a framework for the Place-Based Substance Use Disorder Outreach Program, which will focus on specific geographic areas identified as high-need by the DBH. It includes provisions for the Department to issue grants to experienced non-profit organizations to deliver services and mandates the publication of program performance data every 90 days. This data will include metrics such as the number of individuals engaged, connections to treatment programs, and harm reduction efforts, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability in addressing substance use challenges in the community.