New opioid treatment program coming to mid-Missouri
A new program is coming to mid-Missouri that could improve treatment options for those who overdose on opioids, and help them to succeed in recovery afterwards.
Hospital and behavior health officials, along with Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler, met at the Missouri Orthopedic Institute Monday afternoon to discuss the new “medication-first” program.
The program began in St. Louis and is made possible through federal grants.
The Boone County pilot, Engaging Patients In Care Coordination, is modeled after the St. Louis program.
Through the program, overdose patients will be referred to health and behavioral health services that include peer recovery coaches. The physician will also give the patient a prescription of 3-5 days of buprenorphine, which can decrease symptoms of withdrawal and reduce opioid use.
“As emergency physicians, we are excited about the opportunity to bring together community resources to finally offer evidence-based treatment for patients with opioid use disorder,” said Dr. Jonathan Heidt. “This program will allow us, for the first time, to offer patients a long-term treatment plan rather than a series of short-term encounters.”
Hartzler said one of her main focuses in Washington D.C. was to continue to provide money to fight opioid addiction and make sure the money makes it to Missouri.
“We’ve got to get a hold of this,” she said. “We’re losing over 150 people a day to the opioid crisis.”
Dr. Leslie Porth, with the Missouri Hospital Association, said the federal grant has funded 16 treatment agencies, providing treatment at 44 sites across the state.
The grant has helped provide treatment for 1,922 people with opioid use disorder and 69 percent of them are still receiving treatment or support.
“[It’s a] huge improvement from simply wishing them good luck,” she said.
The crisis continues, even with teenagers. ABC 17 News has linked a recent story about a teenager that overdosed on oxycontin after law enforcement says another teen sold it to him. The teen admitted another juvenile had stolen it from his stepmother.
ABC 17 News is also talking to experts about keeping that medication out of the hands of those who don’t need it.
Pharmacists recommend a locked drawer over a medicine cabinet. Hartzler said drug take back programs are also key to getting rid of old prescriptions that may be lying around for the taking.
