UAB Launches Program to Improve Treatment of Opioid Overdose
UAB’s Emergency Department (ED) is starting a new program to better treat patients with opioid use disorder. The initiative, funded with $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, focuses on increasing the use of Medication Assisted Treatment Protocol (MAT). This treatment relies on a drug called Suboxone, which reduces withdrawal symptoms for patients recovering from an opioid overdose.
Dr. Erik Hess, vice chair for research in UAB’s Emergency Department, says Suboxone is a very effective treatment for opioid use disorder. But the drug is not used as often as it could be.
“The government has actually made it a requirement for eight hours of training for any provider who wants to provide a subscription for it (Suboxone),” Hess says, “which has set up a pretty substantial barrier for most providers.”
Hess says up until recently, only three ED doctors at UAB had completed this training. The goal now is to certify at least 75% of the department’s physicians to administer Suboxone.
Another focus of the program is to better connect patients with resources once they leave the ED. This involves a partnership with a local referral hub called the Recovery Resource Center at Cooper Green Mercy Health Services.
The Recovery Resource Center will send peer navigators, people who themselves are in long-term recovery, to meet with patients at the emergency department. Navigators will help patients transition out of the ED and find long-term treatment options.
UAB’s new program is funded for three years. During that time, officials expect to enroll more than 500 patients. They hope to see a 30% decrease in the number of deaths due to opioid overdose in Jefferson County. According to the Jefferson County Department of Health, 161 people died from an opioid overdose in 2018.
Source: Jefferson County Department of Health
In 2018, 161 people died from an opioid overdose in Jefferson County. This is a slight decrease from 2017.
Brigitte Bardot, sex goddess of cinema, has died
Legendary screen siren and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot has died at age 91. The alluring former model starred in numerous movies, often playing the highly sexualized love interest.
For Ukrainians, a nuclear missile museum is a bitter reminder of what the country gave up
The Museum of Strategic Missile Forces tells the story of how Ukraine dismantled its nuclear weapons arsenal after independence in 1991. Today many Ukrainians believe that decision to give up nukes was a mistake.
Jeffrey R. Holland, next in line to lead Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dies at 85
Jeffrey R. Holland led the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a key governing body. He was next in line to become the church's president.
Winter storm brings heavy snow and ice to busy holiday travel weekend
A powerful winter storm is impacting parts of the U.S. with major snowfall, ice, and below zero wind chills. The conditions are disrupting holiday travel and could last through next week.
Disability rights advocate Bob Kafka dead at 79
Bob Kafka was an organizer with ADAPT (American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today), a group which advocates for policy change to support people with disabilities.
‘It’s behind you!’ How Britain goes wild for pantomimes during the holidays
Pantomimes are plays based on a well-known story — often a fairy tale — which are given a bawdy twist. The audience is expected to join in throughout, shouting as loudly as they can.
