Medical CenterOctober 23, 2025
UC Davis Health recognized for substance use disorder care
Medical center named to Opioid Care Honor Roll for the fifth consecutive year
(SACRAMENTO)
UC Davis Medical Center was awarded the highest rating by Cal Hospital Compare on its Opioid Care Honor Roll for the 5th consecutive year. This recognition is given for a hospital’s high performance in caring for patients with substance use disorder.
UC Davis Health is the only University of California academic medical center and one of just two hospitals in Sacramento to achieve this designation.
“At UC Davis Health we see substance use disorders as a disease rather than someone with a problem. We aim to provide patients with this condition evidence-based treatment, just as we would treat other diseases like diabetes or hypertension,” said Sarah Berglund, opioid stewardship pharmacist in the Department of Pharmacy Services. “This recognition reflects our commitment to address substance use disorders and provide compassionate treatment that supports the health and safety of our community.”
UC Davis Health is a leader in California and across the nation in addressing substance use disorders. Efforts around this work include:
- Emergency Medicine’s Substance Use Navigator program
- Substance Use Disorders Treatment Clinic
- Emergency Addiction Medicine Fellowship
- Mental health and substance use research
“It is critical that hospitals are prepared to actively treat patients with substance use disorders when they come to us for care,” Berglund added.
Each year, the Cal Hospital Compare Opioid Honor Roll sends out a survey to all California acute care hospitals to evaluate their opioid safety and prescribing practices. The survey evaluates hospitals on their substance use disorder care activities, including:
- Safe and effective opioid use
- Identifying and treating patients with substance use disorders
- Strategies to reduce harm
- Steps to reduce stigma
- Ways to involve patient and families in the decision-making process
The goal of the Cal Hospital Compare program is to increase access to addiction treatment for hospitalized patients and reduce substance use disorder-related deaths.
To learn more about the 2025 Honor Roll and explore the full list of honorees, read the full announcement.
Opioid and substance use disorder resources
If you or someone you know needs help with substance use disorder, here are some resources:
- Substance Use Disorder Treatment (UC Davis Health)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
- Substance Abuse and Treatment Resources (CDC)
- Choose Change California (State of California)
- How to find opioid treatment programs (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
