New course available through IU’s Grand Challenge

To increase knowledge, reduce stigma, and engage the community in discussions about substance use an online course is available through the Indiana University’s Responding to the Addictions Crisis Grand Challenge. The course is an extension of the Grand Challenge’s In This Together video project, a community resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the topic of substance use disorder and how to make a difference in the lives of Hoosiers and others throughout the country. In This Together: Community Conversations to Reduce Stigma of Substance Use Disorder (https://go.iu.edu/3uYs), fosters individual reflection and community discussions. It takes roughly an hour of time to complete the modules on addiction, treatment/recovery, harm reduction, community engagement and stigma reduction, and is filled with local/regional and national resources that can be used by those seeking more information about substance use disorder. There is no cost to complete the course.

Using prescribing and toxicology data to determine non-medical prescription drug overdose

A recent study, published in the journal Addictive Behaviors Reports, examined linked prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) and toxicology data (2016-2018) from accidental overdose deaths from the Marion County coroner’s office. The researchers found that the primary contributors to drug overdose mortality in Marion County during the study period were illicit fentanyl and heroin. More than two-thirds of the 1,112 accidental overdose deaths were caused by an illicit opioid, with no prescription opioid present in the toxicology. By integrating PDMP data into toxicology results, we can better assess the role of nonmedical opioid and non-opioid prescription drug misuse in fatal overdose deaths.

Decision guide offers information to treatment providers and individuals about medications for OUD

The Center for Behavioral Health and Justice at Wayne State University created a decision guide that provides information on the three forms of medications that treat opioid use disorder (OUD). It also lists questions to help think through the pros and cons of each medication to help make an informed decision about the best option for an individual’s personal recovery. The guide is NOT meant to take the place of consultation with a medical professional, but it is recommended that either a case manager, peer support specialist, recovery coach or other trusted support person assist the client in the completion and discussion of this guide.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Rural and Urban Overdose Prevention Strategies in Illinois and Michigan

11 a.m. – Noon ET Jan. 7

This webinar will highlight overdose disparities in rural and urban populations, with an emphasis on the unique challenges associated with engaging diverse populations in these settings. Presenters from Illinois and Michigan will share data on disparities in their respective states, along with examples of strategies being implemented to engage disparate populations in overdose prevention.

Click here to register.

2021 Opioid Prescribing and Abuse Webinar Series

In 2021, the Indiana State Medical Association (ISMA) is introducing a new series of monthly live webinars on opioid prescribing and abuse. Each webinar, presented the second Thursday of each month at noon ET, counts toward the two hours of continuing medical education (CME) required to obtain or renew a Controlled Substances Registration in Indiana. These webinars are free for ISMA members. All webinars will be recorded and will be available to ISMA members at no charge on the ISMA Online app as a benefit of membership.

To register:
Jan. 14: Legislative and Legal Update (Stacy L. Cook, JD, LLM)

Feb. 11: Opioid Use in Palliative Care (Timothy J. Broach, MD)

March 11: Opioid Use in Hospice Care (Timothy J. Broach, MD)

Partnering for Child Safety: Fatality Review Teams and State Title V Program

2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Jan. 14

In this webinar the National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention will describe Child Death Review (CDR) and Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR), with a focus on data collection, and provide examples of how fatality review supports Title V work. Additionally, written guidance on how fatality review can support national performance measures on adolescent mental health, including youth suicide, infant safe sleep and smoking during pregnancy will be highlighted and distributed.

To register for this webinar, click here.