The Sun Project
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What is the Sun Project?
The SUN Project represents a collaborative, cross-sector initiative committed to implementing best practices that foster the health, safety, well-being, and recovery of expectant individuals facing substance use disorder, along with their infants and families. Distinguished by its role as a system-building and coordination framework rather than a clinical service provider, the SUN Project facilitates seamless collaboration across sectors to support mothers and families affected by substance use disorder. SUN, an acronym for Substance Use Network, underscores the project’s commitment to networking for positive outcomes. The SUN Project ensures cost-free care coordination, with patients’ explicit consent governing care, services, and financial responsibilities at individual agencies, regardless of their involvement in the SUN Project.
The SUN Clinic at the Cabarrus Health Alliance (CHA) stands as a pivotal partner in this endeavor, providing medical and clinical services to individuals grappling with substance use disorder. While distinct, the SUN Clinic collaborates closely with The SUN Project. Learn more about the SUN Clinic at CHA by visiting their website or reaching out to 704-920-1289.
The SUN Clinic Offers:
- Prenatal Care by an OB/GYN specializing in addictions
- Ultrasound, Lab, and Fetal Monitoring
- Medication Assisted Treatment (Buprenorphine)
- Mental Health and Substance Use Therapy Services by licensed providers
- Nutritional Counseling
- Case Management Services
- Recovery Supports
- Peer Support Specialist Services
- WIC
- Dental Care
- Newborn Care
In addition to CHA, key partners in The SUN Project include a range of community agencies such as Cabarrus Partnership For Children, Department of Social Services, Department of Transportation, Department of Adult Corrections, Atrium Health, various Pregnancy Resource Centers, Endless Opportunities, UNC School of Government, Daymark Recovery Services, McLeod Centers For Wellbeing, and more.
Helpful Resources
The SUN Project, with the help of the UNC School of Government, has created a framework in which agencies can share protected health information about Substance Use Disorder legally. This helps coordinate care for SUN Patients.
Our partners use special forms called Release of Information (ROI) forms to share health info for things like managing cases and coordinating care, as explained on the following county-specific forms.
The UNC School of Government, in collaboration with the SUN Project, has developed a website aimed at offering training and resources to agencies and organizations involved in the SUN Project. Participation in the training is mandatory for our SUN Project partners attending our Monthly Care Coordination meetings, although it is accessible to all.
You’re welcome to explore our training site at https://sun.sog.unc.edu/ for detailed information on the following topics:
1. Collaborative Practices
2. Framework for Information Sharing
3. Procedures for Release of Information
4. Social Services Information Handling
5. Utilization of Information by DSS
6. Addressing Challenges
7. Building Trust
8. Available Support Systems
C.O.P.E
(Cabarrus Opioid Provider Education)
Dr. Bobby Levy, in partnership with the Suda Institute, the SUN Project, and Atrium Health Cabarrus, has created an 8-part educational series designed to unite and strengthen the commitment of medical professionals to raising awareness of Opioid Use Disorders (OUD). This comprehensive series will cover key topics such as recognition, stigma, treatment, and available resources. The aim is to improve the understanding and management of OUD among healthcare professionals, ensuring they are well-prepared to tackle this crucial issue in their practice.
Click HERE to listen to the eight-part series!
