Caroline Davidson, Vice President of State Engagement for Shatterproof, oversees engagement in states implementing Shatterproof’s ATLAS® quality measurement system for addiction treatment facilities. Shatterproof is a member of the Quality Institute’s Consumer Council.

How does Shatterproof support those struggling with addiction?

Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization and our goal, really, is to end the addiction crisis in the US. We have three main pillars: revolutionizing the treatment system; supporting and empowering communities; and breaking down the stigma surrounding addiction.

We have an advocacy team on the federal and state level, and a network of ambassadors who are people touched by addiction or who feel passionate about the cause spreading the word about Shatterproof and ATLAS.

What is the ATLAS survey and how is it being implemented in New Jersey?

ATLAS is our quality measurement system. I like to say it’s the Consumer Reports for addiction treatment. It allows people to see the quality of treatment facilities so they can pick the facility that best meets their needs or the needs of a loved one. The data for the profiles on quality primarily come from a survey that we send out to treatment facilities. The survey asks questions about the facilities, staffing, their services, their policies. Once the facility submits the survey, we validate the data so we’re not just taking people at their word. And then we give facilities a chance to preview what their profile will look like before it goes live. In New Jersey, we had almost 50 percent of treatment facilities respond to the survey, which is good. There’s been enthusiasm for ATLAS so we expect that number will grow when facilities have another chance to submit this fall.

How can payers, providers, and people with addictions use the ATLAS tool?

The ATLAS website has two parts. The first is the public-facing side of the website, which is free. Anyone can go there and search for and compare treatment facilities. There is an assessment based on criteria from the American Society for Addiction Medicine — the gold standard to understand what the appropriate level of care is for you or a loved one. Then you can search for and compare facilities based on quality and what we know to be evidence-based best practices. We answer a lot of questions about different levels of care. We also provide information on insurance coverage, including Medicaid or Medicare, and information about sliding scales for those who self-pay.

We also have password-protected portals for providers who submitted data to ATLAS. Once the portals are live, providers can go in and look at how they compare to their peers across their state in terms of quality. The goal is not just for us to say to patients, “here are good providers,” but also to help providers understand where they can improve. And we also do a free technical assistance series, so providers can learn how to leverage the data to improve services at their facility.

How is the Just Five online tool used by employers to educate their workforce about addiction?

Just Five is an online, self-paced module that educates employees on addiction. It’s six, five-minute lessons with animated videos and interactive learning. There are additional materials for those who are interested — basically it’s a product that Shatterproof works with employers to offer to their employees. It’s a way to not only educate employees about addiction, but also to reduce the stigma around addiction by demystifying it. And then in states where ATLAS is live — we are in ten states now with one soon to join and others on the horizon — Just Five can then link people to ATLAS to help them find good treatment.

We like to ask something beyond a person’s professional life. Where might we find you on a day away from work?

I live in New York City, right by Central Park, and I really like to walk. I love a good walk and a good snack. And with friends — I know this sounds dorky — we like to get together and watch Disney Channel movies together. So, sort of kooky or sort of campy movies.