Pennsylvania's Battle: Hospitals Unite Against Opioid Addiction
The hospital and health system association of Pennsylvania is working to get facilities to share best practices on treating opioid use disorder.
Imagine a state where every day brings new challenges in the fight against opioid addiction. That's Pennsylvania, a place grappling with one of the highest opioid overdose death rates in the U.S. But here's the twist—this battle isn't fought alone. In this episode of 'Battling Opioids', you'll hear about the remarkable efforts of hospitals and health systems coming together to tackle this crisis head-on.
The Hospital and Health System Association of Pennsylvania is leading the charge with a multi-million dollar grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies. This funding powers the Opioid Learning Action Network, a two-year initiative aimed at sharing best practices and increasing access to evidence-based treatments. Through webinars, meetings, and distance learning, doctors across the state are connecting and collaborating to improve patient outcomes. One standout example is Geisinger, a hospital system that's not just treating addiction but also working on prevention.
Over the past three years, they've significantly reduced opioid prescriptions and opened multiple medication-assisted treatment centers. It's an inspiring story of how a community can rally together to make a difference. If you're curious about how these initiatives are making an impact or if you're looking for hope in the midst of this epidemic, this episode is a must-listen. Dive into the stories of resilience and discover how Pennsylvanians are turning the tide against opioid addiction.