SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. —Barton Health has once again earned “Superior Performance” recognition on Cal Hospital Compare’s Opioid Care Honor Roll. As one of only 22 hospitals in California to receive this distinction, Barton continues to demonstrate its commitment to addressing substance use disorders (SUDs) and supporting the health and safety of the Lake Tahoe community.
The recognition acknowledges Barton’s success across four critical areas of care: promoting the safe and effective use of opioids; identifying and managing patients with substance use disorders; implementing harm reduction strategies; and applying best practices across all aspects of SUD care.
Substance use disorder affects have consistently been identified as a top health concern in Barton’s triennial Community Health Needs Assessment. In 2024, 42% of residents surveyed had been personally impacted by substance use. Behind that number are people seeking help for themselves or worrying about someone they love.
Barton remains committed to addressing this need through a coordinated approach to SUD care, supporting patients from prevention and early intervention through treatment and recovery. These efforts include:
- Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT): Integrated into primary and behavioral care to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders, with treatment options that include long-acting medications. Opioid settlement funding through the county and city has helped support the MAT program.
- Substance Use Navigators: Two dedicated navigators guide patients through care, connect them to resources, and ensure consistent follow-up.
- Opioid Stewardship Committee: A multi-disciplinary team advancing safe prescribing practices and offering non-opioid pain management alternatives.
- Harm reduction and education: Community outreach, education on safe prescribing and overdose prevention, and expanded access to naloxone to prevent opioid overdose deaths.
Barton Health was also one of only two sites selected to participate in the initial county pilot of CA Bridge Connect, a free, confidential statewide call and text-based service connecting Californians with same-day opioid treatment support and ongoing care. Following the program’s statewide launch, Jacob Marquette, DO, medical director of Barton Community Health Center and a board-certified addiction medicine specialist, will continue working with CA Bridge Connect to support its rollout across California.
“Substance use disorder care is most effective when patients can access help quickly and remain connected to a team they trust,” said Dr. Marquette. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our providers, coordinators, and behavioral health specialists, who are working together to support patients from their first call or visit through ongoing recovery.”
For more information about substance use disorder treatment and recovery services at Barton Health, please visit bartonhealth.org.
