F5 - It Takes Two to Tango: OTP and SOTA partnerships where innovation meets impact

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

10:00am - 11:30am EST

Location: Salons C-D

Earn 1.5 CE Hour(s)

Primary Presenter(s)

Melinda L. Turner, MD, FASAM, FAAEM

Medical Director
Behavioral Health Group, Nashville Treatment Center
Nashville, Tennessee

Download Slides Handouts

Co-Presenter(s)

Ruth Potee, MD

Medical Director
Behavioral Health Network
Northfield, Massachusetts
Wesley Geminn, PharmD, BCPP (he/him/his)

State Opioid Treatment Authority
State of Tennessee
Castalian Springs, Tennessee

Presentation Summary: This workshop bridges the gap between Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) and State Opioid Treatment Authorities (SOTAs) to improve patient care in opioid use disorder treatment. Through case studies and interactive discussions, we'll examine real-world examples of state-level SOTA and OTP partnerships, and participants will learn strategies to foster collaboration, navigate regulatory challenges, and address barriers to evidence-based practices. You will take home actionable strategies to unlock innovative solutions, improve communication, break down silos, and drive recovery forward for all.

Learning Objectives:

At the completion of this activity, participants will:

Explain the distinct roles and responsibilities of OTPs and SOTAs. This includes recognizing the key functions of SOTAs including regulatory oversight, advocacy, technical assistance, and disaster management and how those can be viably leveraged to increase access by the OTPs providing direct patient care.
Assess real-world case studies of successful OTP-SOTA collaborations and identify key success factors. This includes exploring coordinated emergency response, innovative treatment approaches, and collaborative efforts to expand access to care within 2 states as well as cross-collaborations between the states.
Develop action plans for implementing collaborative strategies within their own organizations and communities. This includes identifying specific goals, timelines, and resources needed to improve OTP-SOTA partnerships.