Opioids and COVID-19: An Epidemic Within An Epidemic
August 27, 2020

- Identification of opioid hotspots and quality improvement efforts to reduce opioid related harm, over utilization and overdoses
- Training to increase awareness of opioid use disorders
- Opioid risk assessment training
- Community awareness campaigns
- Stigma reduction campaigns
- Harm reduction and prevention strategies
- Connection to narcan distribution programs
- Implementation of the CDC Guidelines for prescribing opioids
- Starting or expanding Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Programs
- Strategies to prevent adverse drug interactions
- Promotion of non-opioid alternatives for pain management
- Identification and establishment of medication drop boxes
- Collaboration with community pharmacies to increase naloxone access
- Promotion of naloxone co-prescribing with opioids
- Training to increase the utilization of telehealth to treat opioid use and mental health conditions
- Access and review of the state’s prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP)
- Workflow processes to increase screenings for the identification of mental health and substance use
- Patient and family educational materials