Bridging Gaps, Building Hope: Alameda County’s SUD IHOT Program

In Alameda County, many adults struggling with substance use face barriers that make seeking help feel overwhelming or impossible. The Substance Use Disorder In-Home Outreach Team, funded by the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department, is working to change that.

This outreach team meets individuals where they are—at home, in the community, or wherever they feel safest—offering outreach, stabilization, and connections to supportive services. By bridging gaps between people and the care they need, the program helps prevent overdoses, avoidable hospitalizations, and unnecessary contact with the criminal justice system.

From October 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027, the program will serve at least 300 adults in Alameda County, with the goal of linking more than half of those engaged to substance use treatment or recovery services within 90 days.

While the program does not provide treatment directly, it plays a critical role in guiding people toward care, promoting stability, and supporting healthier outcomes for individuals, families, and the broader community.

 “This program is a game-changer for our community,” says Veronika Rodriguez, SUD/MAT Manager. “By meeting people where they are and connecting them to the care they need, we can help prevent overdoses, reduce hospitalizations, and support individuals and families on the path to stability. SUD IHOT is about hope, trust, and taking action together to make our community healthier and stronger.”

This initiative demonstrates the power of coming together—community members, neighbors, and health providers—to support individuals struggling with substance use. By offering care, guidance, and connections to resources, the program helps people find stability, access treatment, and improve their health and well-being, creating a stronger and healthier Alameda County for everyone.