A study published by researchers from IUPUI has found dramatic undercounting of opioid-related deaths in Marion County. Between 2011 and 2016, 86 percent of deaths that were initially marked as accidental overdoses due to an unspecified substance later tested positive for an opioid when toxicology results were examined. This finding highlights that local jurisdictions may be considerably undercounting opioid-involved overdose deaths, and that toxicology data can improve accuracy in identifying opioid-involved overdose deaths. To read the full study, click here.
A new law requires prescribers of controlled substances in Indiana to register with INSPECT, Indiana’s prescription drug monitoring program, by Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019. However, if your healthcare facility has integrated its electronic health records (EHRs) with INSPECT, you are already registered and do not need to do anything more. For details and answers to questions about the new law requiring Indiana prescribers to check INSPECT, visit the Indiana State Medical Association's website.
Quick response teams ― active in states including Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, West Virginia and Indiana ― provide an immediate onsite crisis response for any individual who has experienced an overdose, as well as his or her family, and attempt to connect individuals with long-term recovery services. The goals of such teams is simple: track down people who have recently survived drug overdoses; visit them at home, a hospital or even in jail; and tell them how to get help. Such teams often consist of an EMS responder, a law enforcement officer and a substance abuse counselor.
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The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism invite prevention and treatment professionals and organizations to participate in National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW). This week-long observance sheds light on the science behind the effects of drug and alcohol use on the brain, body and behavior, and connects students with scientists and other experts who help shatter the myths about drugs and alcohol. Find activity ideas, then register your event online to be featured on the official 2019 NDAFW map. NIDA staff can also help support your event planning efforts, including free science-based materials to complement your event.
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