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| President's Message |
Welcome to the California Opioid
Maintenance Providers (COMP) Website.
As the President of COMP for almost
thirty (30) years, I would like to take this
opportunity to welcome and
introduce you to our organization.
COMP was conceived of in 1973, as the
California Conference of Methadone Programs (CCMP).
When a few of us met to share our experiences
treating narcotic dependency, it became apparent
from the outset that this treatment modality would
be forever challenging and controversial. We further
agreed that to combat prejudiceand the innumerable
challenges facing professionals and patients alike,
we would unite to give a voice to a segment of the
population that had no voice. We realized that none of
us could do it alone, but by joining forces we could
gain the strength necessary to promote humane
treatment and ultimately prove the efficacy and
effectiveness of methadone treatment.
As is so often the case, not everything
went smoothly at first. It took several years to
overcome mistrust amongst providers, especially
regarding the introduction of fee for service programs.
Before 1975, all narcotic treatment was offered through
county programs or the Veterans Administration. It was
not until 1983 that Los Angeles County approved transitioning
its public programs to the private sector.
Finally, the California Organization of
Methadone Providers (COMP), a not for profit (501c)
corporation, was incorporated on May 31, 1991. During 2002,
COMP changed its name to the California Opioid Maintenance
Providers, respecting the introduction of new pharmachotherapy
and other opioid dependency treatment advances.
 Today, COMP represents the majority of the approximately
150 licensed Narcotic Treatment Programs (NTP’s) within the
State of California, making it not only the oldest, but
largest organization of its kind in the country.
During its tenure, COMP has sponsored
numerous legislative measures, impacting such things as
non-physician ownership of NTP’s, Drug MediCal Reimbursement
Methodology, and Office Based Opioid Treatment. For the past
three decades, COMP has enjoyed a good working relationship
with the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (DADP), helping
to promulgate State Regulations, reflecting clinical
experience rather than politics or philosophy.
As a member of the American Association for the Treatment
of Opioid Dependence (AATOD), we have influenced national
legislation and policy.
We can take pride in our accomplishments, but never
be complacent. Today, as has been the case since our
inception, we face many of the same challenges and prejudices.
However, we now have decades of research and science
documenting that opioid dependency is a medical disease and
should be treated as such. We know that when methadone is
combined with appropriate counseling interventions, that
we offer the most potent and effective treatment available to
combat opioid dependency.
I would like to encourage you to become a part of COMP,
and carry it into the future. We must always be vigilant, as
well as, vocal advocates of humane treatment. COMP is your
organization and will only be as affective as your commitment.
Many lives depend upon our willingness to meet the challenges
faced by NTP’s and their patients every single day. It isn’t
easy, but it is necessary. If you don’t do it, nobody else will.
Please make suggestions regarding creating an
accessible and relevant website. Your suggestions and
constructive criticisms are always welcome.
Thank you.
Robert B. Kahn, Ph.d.
President
California Opioid Maintenance Providers Mission Statement
The mission of the California Opioid Maintenance Providers is: 1) to promote access to high quality
treatment for opioid addiction, using medication and psychosocial interventions; 2) to disseminate
information about medication assisted treatments in order to dispel myths, promote understanding and
acceptance, and reduce stigma associated with these treatments; 3) to encourage clinicians, administrators
and policy makers to use best practice models and interventions supported by research evidence; 4) to
advocate for patients who use opioid medications as a tool in their recovery.
Activities:
- Training opportunities and other forms of resource sharing
- Education of legislators and other policy makers
- Development of improved quality assurance mechanisms
- Collaboration with other programs and organizations inCalifornia.
- Collaboration with national organizations, particularly the American Association of Treatment for Opioid Dependence
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