Addressing The Opioid Crisis: An Opportunity For Innovation In Serving High-Risk Consumers

The opioid epidemic is estimated to have cost the United States a total of $1 trillion since 2001, with a cost of $95.8 billion in 2016 alone. Between 2010 and 2015, the rate of opioid-related hospitalizations among older adults increased by about 34%, and the rate of opioid-related emergency department visits increased by over 70%. Statistics like these continue to startle the public. With the continuation of this public health crisis, we have seen the emergence of new programs (such as safe injection sites and mobile therapy) and the expansion of existing program models (such as medication assisted treatment). In this session, we’ll look at how the health and human service field is addressing the challenge of the growing opioid crisis. The session will include:

• A review of the recent legislation, regulation changes, and programming trends addressing the opioid crisis
• A look at innovative addiction treatment program models
• A discussion of the continuing challenges preventing provider organizations from expanding programming to address addiction treatment needs