SPARK-T Project: Implementation Guide & Outcome Evaluation

The SPARK-T Technical Assistance Project, guided by the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework, sought to identify the needs of small and mid-sized substance use disorder (SUD) treatment providers in California and implement effective solutions through engagement and learning.

The implementation plan provides strategic guidance for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment providers in California, particularly small and mid-sized organizations seeking to build capacity and enhance their quality of care. The recommendations are a consolidation of findings from the SPARK-T project's comprehensive needs assessment, which included statewide surveys and focus groups with key stakeholders. This exploration process identified three critical areas of need impacting the SUD treatment system: Capacity Building, Workforce Development (Staffing), and System Integration (CalAIM and Enhanced Care Management).

The outcome evaluation is designed to understand how the project increased understanding of the needs of the SUD treatment system and their associated solutions. The report evaluates the extent to which the activities benefited participants (e.g., providers) and other stakeholders (e.g., clients, community members).