Ask the Expert: Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
In the latest video explainer in the Ask the Expert series, Dr. John Winhusen explains how medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) work, their effectiveness, and dispels myths about MOUD.
Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) help reduce or block the euphoric effects of illicit opioids, decrease opioid craving, and help individuals engage more fully in work and social roles. Studies have found that buprenorphine and methadone are associated with a 53 percent reduction in all-cause mortality, with significant reductions in suicide, cancer, drug-related, and alcohol-related deaths.
Webinar: Opioid Overdose Reduction Continuum of Care (ORCCA)
Thank you to Dr. Redonna Chandler, Dr. Alexander Walley, Dr. John Winhusen, Dr. Timothy Hunt, and Dr. Patricia Freeman for this excellent webinar! If you weren’t able to join us live, or want to rewatch the webinar, check out the recording and slides on the ORCCA Webinar website.
Webinar: How to Build Opioid Data Dashboards for Community Decision-Making
Data dashboards are powerful tools that can support community engagement and decision-making by providing public health surveillance and early detection of emerging health threats, as well as facilitating efficient resource allocation. These dashboards serve as a transparent and customizable platform for communicating critical information in easy-to-understand, interactive formats (e.g., charts, graphs, maps) to policymakers, stakeholders, community members, and the public. The webinar aimed to show how data dashboards can facilitate evidence-based decision-making by providing insights into effective approaches, gaps in substance use disorder services, and opportunities to address challenges within communities. Download the slides and view the recording at the Dashboard Webinar Website.
Expanding Access to Methadone Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in Carceral Settings
In April 2024, the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) issued a final
rule on regulations regarding opioid treatment program (OTP) accreditation, certification, and standards
for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). This rule change affects the use of methadone, including
clarification on use of methadone in carceral settings. Under the updated final rules of 42 CFR Part 8,
jails and prisons may register as a hospital or clinic. Jails/prisons may stock and dispense methadone to
treat OUD and manage acute opioid withdrawal syndrome. View the webinar and slides at the JCOIN Training & Engagement Center (JTEC)
Webinar: Implementation of Mobile Medical Units for the Delivery of Addiction Services in Ohio through the HEALing Communities Study
This webinar provided practical insight from experienced public health professionals who are part of the HEALing Communities Study on how to assess communities’ needs for a mobile medical unit for the delivery of addiction services, what features to build into these units, and best practices for partnering with local organizations to host units and reach community members. View the webinar and download the slides.
