Combating the Opioid Epidemic
At Healthy State Alliance, clinicians, physicians, and leaders from both organizations have combined their clinical strengths to tackle the opioid crisis on multiple fronts. From innovative pain management strategies that reduce addiction risks to expanding access to treatment and improving care protocols for patients with substance use disorder, our efforts are comprehensive and impactful.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)
ERAS is a successful program designed to reduce hospital stays, increase patient satisfaction, and minimize the need for narcotic pain medication during and after surgery. Our team has created an ERAS “playbook” that has been implemented in Mercy Health hospitals.
ERAS protocols for both planned and unplanned caesarean sections have been developed and deployed across both systems. These protocols ensure that pregnant individuals with substance use disorder receive opioid-sparing treatment plans, reducing their exposure during and after their hospital stay.
Perinatal Care
We have shared protocols and best practices from the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center’s Substance Abuse, Treatment, Education, and Prevention Program (STEPP Clinic). A clinic has opened at Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio, providing comprehensive substance use disorder care for pregnant women.
Additionally, students from OSU College of Medicine completed a community health education project with the Centering Pregnancy program in Youngstown. They developed an outreach plan to educate community providers about the clinic and available treatment options for pregnant individuals with substance use disorders.
Peer Support
Leaders from both organizations collaborate to share best practices, including the use of peer supporters. These individuals have lived experiences with mental illness or addiction and are trained to provide recovery support services to others. Peer supporters play a crucial role in the recovery journey, offering understanding, empathy, and camaraderie. Connecting with individuals who have faced similar struggles fosters a unique sense of support and empowerment, significantly contributing to the recovery process.
Addiction Scholars Travel Award
The Healthy State Alliance offers an Addiction Scholars Travel Award to learners from both organizations who complete research in the addiction field. Awardees receive up to $1500 to cover the costs of attending a national conference to present their research.
Advocacy
Our Advocacy teams have joined forces to support several issues related to the opioid epidemic, including:
Education and Outreach
Education and outreach are key focuses for our opioid working team. The Healthy State Alliance hosts an annual virtual continuing medical education event, offering clinicians worldwide the latest information on opioid use disorder and treatment options. For information on the next opioid symposium, click here.
Addiction Resources
Are you or a loved one in need of support?
For substance abuse treatment and mental health referrals, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit SAMHSA’s National Helpline.
How to Safely Dispose of Your Prescriptions
Old and unused medications that are not properly disposed of can pose serious threats to you and your loved ones.
Learn More