Telebuprenorphine hotline goes statewide to address overdose crisis

Washingtonians now have an easier way to access life-saving treatment for opioid use disorder. Through a partnership between the Washington State Department of Health and the University of Washington, the Telebuprenorphine (Telebupe) Hotline has expanded to serve people statewide. 

Originally launched as a pilot program in 2024 with Public Health – Seattle & King County, the Telebupe Hotline allows residents to speak directly with UW Department of Emergency Medicine physicians for same-day telehealth access to buprenorphine 
(often known by the brand name Suboxone), an evidence-based medication used to treat opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, supporting individuals as they stabilize and engage in recovery. 

“Buprenorphine saves lives from overdose and is one of the most effective tools we have to treat opioid use disorder,” said Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, State Health Officer, DOH. “Expanding the Telebupe Hotline is an important step towards giving people with opioid use disorder timely and compassionate care no matter where they live in our state.”

Since its launch, the hotline has served more than 1,400 patients and is now expanding to reach residents in every county. 

“Patients will be connected with a linkage-to-care coordinator embedded in their region—someone who knows the local clinics and resources and can help ensure a smooth transition into ongoing care,” said Olivia Hood, program director for the Washington Telebupe Hotline and assistant director of program operations in the Department of Emergency Medicine.

The hotline was created to address persistent barriers to opioid use disorder treatment, including limited clinic availability, transportation challenges, and long wait times. It operates 365 days a year from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., providing rapid access to care when patients need it most. 

Patients complete a brief intake with a linkage-to-care coordinator, followed by a short telehealth visit with a UW Emergency Medicine physician trained in addiction medicine.

Medications are sent directly to the patient’s preferred pharmacy, and follow-up outreach begins within 72 hours to connect patients to ongoing care in their community. 

“We are not a longitudinal care model; rather, we provide emergency support to help people get started on buprenorphine or bridge their prescription when access to regular care is disrupted,” said Hood. 

The partnership between UW Emergency Medicine and the Washington State Department of Health represents a major step forward in responding to the opioid crisis. 

“This expansion will help save lives across Washington,” Hood said. “By making evidence-based treatment easier to access, we’re creating new pathways into care and strengthening the state’s response to opioid use disorder.” 

Patients anywhere in Washington can call 206-289-0287 for a same-day telebuprenorphine visit. The program is available to individuals aged 13 and older at no cost. The Washington State Department of Health fully funds the WA Telebupe Hotline and does not bill insurance for the telehealth visit.