Improving Care Connections for Patients with Substance Use Disorders

Improving Care Connections for Patients with Substance Use Disorders: 
One Year into the Journey of Advancing Linkage and Retentions in Care    

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 
1 - 2 p.m. Eastern; noon - 1 p.m. Central; 10 - 11 a.m. Pacific

This webinar will share insights from American Hospital Association (AHA) Bridge to Care Toolkit, designed to help hospitals and health systems strengthen care connections for people with Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorders.    

Participants will learn about key lessons and findings from this work; how participating organizations are building on early progress and what’s next in advancing bridge to care efforts. The webinar will also introduce available AHA resources designed to help hospitals and health systems to strengthen care connections for people with Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorders.  

Speakers will discuss strategies that have enhanced patient engagement and retention across inpatient, primary care and pharmacy settings, while addressing both clinical and non-clinical approaches to support ongoing treatment.  

Attendees Will Learn to:

• Describe key lessons, findings, and emerging practices from the AHA Bridge to Care Toolkit that support stronger care connections for people with Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorders across hospital and community settings.
• Identify effective clinical and non‑clinical strategies used by hospitals and health systems to enhance patient engagement, retention, and continuity of care across inpatient, primary care, and pharmacy settings.
• Apply available AHA resources and implementation insights to advance and sustain efforts within participants’ own organizations, building on early progress and planning next steps for improvement.  

Speakers:

Anna-Maria South, MD 
UK HealthCare 
Lexington, Ky.    

Beth Williams, MSN, APRN, MPH, CARN-NP 
Associate Director, IMPACT 
Oregon Health & Science University  

Carolyn Alessi, MBA 
Regional Executive Director, Community Health and Well Being 
Trinity Health of New England 
Hartford, Conn.  

AHA Moderators:

Sean Thornton  
Program Manager, Population Health  
HRET 

Jordan Steiger  
Director, Behavioral Health and Violence Prevention  
American Hospital Association