Public Health Honored with 2024 California State Association of Counties Innovation Award for Transformative Substance Use Disorder Service and Bed Availability Tool

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is proud to announce that its Service and Bed Availability Tool (SBAT) has been awarded the 2024 Innovation Award by the California State Association of Counties (CSAC). This esteemed recognition is given to the highest-scoring program among more than 400 entries submitted by counties across California, underscoring the SBAT’s groundbreaking approach to improving access to substance use disorder (SUD) services.

Developed by Public Health’s Substance Abuse Prevention and Control Bureau (SAPC), the SBAT is a best-in-class web-based tool designed to connect individuals and families with SUD treatment services and residential bed availability in real time. The SBAT offers a user-friendly, filterable interface that simplifies navigation of one of the nation’s largest networks of SUD providers, with over 350 sites across Los Angeles County. Since its launch, the SBAT has proven to be a vital resource for connecting residents to critical services, especially those in underserved and marginalized communities.

Since its inception, the SBAT has driven significant results connecting people with SUD services, with a total of 485,000 page views. A backend dashboard for the SBAT that provides data on how individuals are interacting with the tool was also launched in 2021, with its page views skyrocketing from 1,800 in 2021 to over 49,000 in the first half of 2024 alone. The tool’s innovative features—such as language translation, proximity-based searches, and filters tailored to specific populations—continue to foster a seamless user experience. Importantly, over 93% of residential providers now update their bed availability daily, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information for those seeking help.

"The Service and Bed Availability Tool exemplifies our commitment to innovation and equity,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.Ed., Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “By making real-time access to substance use disorder treatment services simple and transparent, we are breaking down barriers and ensuring that all residents, regardless of their circumstances, can find the support they need. This award recognizes both the innovative tool and the dedicated team of staff and providers that support efforts to improve access to substance use treatment services across Los Angeles County. We are tremendously honored by this acknowledgment from the California State Association of Counties."

The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Annual Challenge Awards celebrate the innovative and creative achievements of California’s counties as they develop new and effective solutions to improve programs and services for their residents. The awards highlight best practices in county government while honoring the dedicated staff behind transformative initiatives. Awards are presented across multiple categories based on population size and issue areas, ensuring recognition for a diverse range of programs.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

The Department of Public Health is committed to promoting health equity and ensuring optimal health and well -being for all 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises of more than 5,000 employees and has an annual budget of $1.3 billion.

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health works to protect health,
prevent disease, and promote health and well-being.

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