Name
P01 - From the Frontlines in Baltimore: Lessons from a Local Health Department in Combatting the Opioid Epidemic (1.50 CEs)
Date & Time
Thursday, August 17, 2017, 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Description
Facing an unprecedented number of people dying from opioid overdose, Leana Wen, Heath Commissioner of Baltimore, issued a standing order that allows for the dispensing of naloxone without a prescription to residents of Baltimore. Since 2015, this program has saved more than 800 lives. In March 2016, the commissioner was invited by the White House to speak on a panel with the president about Baltimore’s efforts to address addiction as a public health crisis. In this session, Wen will discuss the role of public health in the opioid crisis, legislative changes and larger community involvement.
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
  • Recognize the opportunities and limits of the platform of public health to combat the opioid epidemic.
  • Understand how local, state, and federal partners can be engaged to raise awareness about addiction and change legislation to increase access to naloxone.
  • Be able to coordinate a multi-pronged effort to increase access to on-demand treatment, connect to wrap-around services, and decrease stigma surrounding substance use disorder.