Fayette County renews syringe exchange program

The Fayette County Board of Commissioners recently voted in favor of continuing the county’s syringe exchange program, which was set to expire on Aug. 13. The commissioners, as well as members of the public, highlighted the importance of the program’s aim to save lives and prevent the spread of communicable diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. Ninety-five percent of people return their used syringes, according to the Indiana State Department of Health. The program will remain under suspension until a new contract is developed.

New report on pharmacy-based naloxone dispensing

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released this month’s Vital Signs report addressing current findings on naloxone prescribing in the United States from 2012 to 2018. Key findings of the report include the following:

• The number of prescriptions for naloxone doubled from 2017 to 2018.
• Rural counties are nearly three times more likely to be ranked low in dispensing naloxone than urban and metropolitan counties.
• Only one naloxone prescription is dispensed for every 70 high-dose opioid prescriptions.

The report offers suggestions that can improve naloxone dispensing, which include keeping naloxone stocked in pharmacies, continuing educational initiatives that highlight the benefits of having naloxone readily available, and offering naloxone to patients receiving high-opioid dosages.

Indiana State Museum's new Opioid Use Disorder exhibit

The Indiana State Museum is developing a new exhibit about opioid use disorder in Indiana. The exhibit, titled FIX: Heartbreak and Hope Inside our Opioid Crisis, is set to open Feb. 1, 2020. The goal of the exhibit is to increase awareness and reduce stigma. The museum is currently looking for people who would be willing to talk about their experience with opioid use disorder. This is open to anyone who has had experience with opioid use disorder. If you would like to participate, please email the museum at Stories@indianamuseum.org or call at 317-234-3857 by Saturday, Aug. 24.  

Request a promotional kit for the new ISMA mobile app

Indiana now requires all Controlled Substances Registration (CSR) holders to certify that they have completed two hours of Certified Medical Education (CME) credits on opioid prescribing and abuse in the two years prior to the Oct. 31 application and renewal deadline. ISMA Online, a free mobile app made possible through the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, conveniently brings free video courses, podcasts and archived webinars together to give physicians the resources to earn the necessary CME credits. Contact the Indiana State Medical Association to receive a free toolkit and learn how to share information about the new CME mandate and the ISMA Online app with physicians in your organization

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Marion County Re-Entry Coalition

- Tuesday 8/20 at Café Indy (8902 E. 38th St.)
- Wednesday 8/21 at College Avenue Library (4180 N. College Ave.)
- Thursday 8/29 at Southeast Community Services (901 Shelby St.
- Tuesday 9/3 at Eagle Branch Library (3905 Moller Road)

All sessions will take place from 6 to 8 p.m.

Marion County Re-Entry Coalition will be holding forums across the city for any and all faith-based organizations looking to improve the lives of people affected by the justice system. All faith-based organizations working with the re-entry population are encouraged to attend. Please RSVP by emailing info@communitysolutionsinc.net with your name, organization, date of session you wish to attend, and the total number of people attending.

ISDH Webcast: Traumatic Brain Injury and Opioid Overdose

August 20, 10:00 a.m. ET
Research has shown that over half of patients who experience a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) develop chronic pain as a consequence of their injury and are started on an opioid medication. This webcast will review the TBI-related risk factors for opioid misuse, as well as new resources and prescribing guidelines for providers to decrease the risk of misuse and overdose in this patient population. Register here.

Perinatal Substance Use Conference 2019

August 27, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. ET
The Perinatal Substance Use Conference focuses exclusively on perinatal substance use and its significant impact on families, caregivers, and communities. Experts from around the country will discuss innovative, supportive care approaches designed to improve outcomes for families and avoid staff burnout for those charged with caring for this vulnerable population. Register for this event here.

Recovery Month Celebration

September 27, 12:00 p.m. ET
The PACE Recovery Resource Center is hosting a celebration and 5k walk in honor of Recovery Month. See the attached flyer for more information. The event, which will take place in Indianapolis, is free and open to the public.

Mental Health First Aid Training

Sept. 20, 2019

8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Hodge Hall on Indiana University- Bloomington’s campus

Indiana University – Bloomington is hosting a Mental Health First Aid training on campus in late September. In this training, attendees will learn how to identify signs of mental illness and respond to a student who has a concern or crisis. The training will also understand the stress and risk factors students face, and will review mental health resources offered at Indiana University – Bloomington. Faculty, assistant instructors, advisors, librarians, administrators and others are encouraged to apply. Lunch will be provided.