HJBR Mar-Apr 2019

Opioid Epidemic 34 MAR / APR 2019 I  Healthcare Journal of BATON ROUGE   Summary “Community-Wide Response Plan to the Opioid Epidemic” Chapter 1 Understanding addiction as a chronic disease that must be managed over a lifetime through compassionate and effective treatment will aid in minimizing fear of rejection and judgment experienced by individuals with a substance use disorder. Chapter 2 Utilizing prevention strategies that reduce risk factors and promote protections in various populations will prevent negative consequences associated with opioid abuse and addiction. Chapter 3 It is imperative that criminal justice reforms continue to enhance community linkages to treatment and recovery support services for incarcerated individuals with an opioid use disorder upon release from prison. Chapter 4 Medical systems of care and policy makers are critical to sustaining and improving the recent advancements in pre- scribing practices of opioid medications and access to alternative non-opioid pain management. Chapter 5 Mitigating harmful consequences of opioid use through overdose reversal using naloxone (Narcan) and syringe access affirms the need for sharing information and resources to promote supportive and safe environments. Chapter 6 Removing barriers to best practice treatment of opioid use disorders will improve the array of options available for services and increase the success rate of opioid addiction recovery and quality of life. Chapter 7 Identifying opioid use during pregnancy, along with co-morbid psychiatric conditions, and providing interventions for both mother and infant is vital for optimal perinatal outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. Chapter 8 Recovery support services are essential for individuals with a substance use disorder to become empowered to cre- ate a life of recovery with meaning, purpose, healthy relationships, and connections to the community. Chapter 9 Recovery oriented systems of care support person-centered and self-directed approaches to care that build on the strengths and resilience of individuals, families, and communities to take responsibility for their sustained health, well- ness, and recovery. Appendix and Resources provide direct links to the more than 30 visual presentations given during the 18 months that the Behavioral Health Collaborative meet in session on developing the plan. Go to realhelpbr.com for access to those presentations.