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.
Crew of fatal US military crash included Alabama father recently deployed
The six U.S. service members who died in the crash of a U.S. military refueling aircraft included an Alabama father who had just been promoted and deployed. The U.S. government released the identities of the deceased service members Saturday.
Alabama poised to drastically overhaul utility regulation. Will it lower electric bills?
The Alabama Senate unanimously voted to expand the public service commission, and create a Secretary of Energy to address rising electricity prices. A bill in the House would go even further, requiring rate case hearings and limiting utility profits.
Musher from Alabama is going for back-to-back Iditarod wins
Riches and paid appearances haven’t followed Jessie Holmes since he won the world’s most famous sled dog race, the Iditarod, last year. He doesn't mind.
Bill would move Alabama to closed primaries
Right now, any Alabama voter can participate in a primary election. Lawmakers in Montgomery took up a bill this week that would change that system.
Auburn football player uses NIL funds to open a community hub in Birmingham
Jourdin Crawford, a freshman defensive lineman at Auburn, used earnings from a Name, Image, and Likeness deal to give back to his hometown.
Ivey commutes death sentence of inmate whose accomplice fired fatal shot
Charles “Sonny” Burton was sentenced to death for the killing of Doug Battle during a 1991 robbery. However, another man shot Battle when Burton had left the building.
