MONTHLY | December 2019
MACS offers consultation to primary care and specialty prescribers in addressing the needs of their patients with substance use disorders and chronic pain management.
1-855-337-MACS (6227) |  www.marylandMACS.org  |  tsommer@som.umaryland.edu
JOIN OUR TEAM!
We are seeking a Nurse Practitioner who will provide consultation, training, and technical assistance for prescribers and practices across Maryland in the implementation of office-based buprenorphine prescribing.
Upcoming events.
Understanding the Opioid Epidemic:
Provider's Role in the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder
Thursday, December 5
 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Presented by MACS Consultant,
Eric Weintraub, MD
Brick Wood Fired Bistro, 60 Sherry Lane
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Coordinating Addiction Treatment in Medical Settings from Hospitals to Skilled Nursing Facilities to Your Office: Practical Tips
Wednesday, December 18 | 12 - 1 pm
Presented by MACS Consultant, Aaron Greenblatt, MD
This event is a live webinar and can be streamed from any computer or mobile device.
aaron greenblatt, MD
News.
MACS Consultant, Dr. Eric Weintraub, was one of 44 community leaders in the US to receive the Community Star award for their dedication to improving rural health. Dr. Weintraub was recognized on Rural Health Day for his work using telemedicine to make opioid use disorder treatment more accessible in rural Maryland.
Black patients less likely to get treatment for opioid-use disorder

#MACSFactMonday: Despite similar OUD rates of 3.5% for blacks and 4.7% for whites, black patients had 77% lower odds of having an office visit that included a buprenorphine prescription. MACS’ website has resources on providing equitable and culturally competent SUD treatment.
Prevalence of documented alcohol and opioid use disorder diagnoses and treatments in a regional primary care practice-based research network

This study helps quantify the potential extent of diagnostic and treatment service gaps in primary care organizations serving rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged patients. Looking for guidance on SUD or pain management? MACS can help.
Facilitating Methadone Use in Hospitals and Skilled Nursing Facilities

For many patients with OUD, effective treatment with methadone may be one of the most important therapies that a hospital or skilled nursing facility can provide. MACS Consultant and co-author, Dr. Yngvild Olsen, argues for a change that could expand access to care and save lives.
  • Learn about coordinating addiction treatment in SNFs and other settings at the next MACS webinar.
  • BHA is piloting a program to expand SNF capacity to provide care for patients with OUD. More information on the pilot and from the recent Buprenorphine Expansion meeting will be available soon: BHA website.
HOLIDAYS | The MACS line will be closed:
December 24 - Christmas Eve
December 25 - Christmas Day
January 1 - New Year's Day
January 20 - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
December Awareness Campaigns
#WAD2019

Yesterday was World AIDS Day . Over 2,500 new HIV infections occur each year among people who inject drugs. Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) reduce HIV and HCV infections and are an effective component of comprehensive community-based prevention and intervention. Learn more..
Resources.
AMA Opioid Task Force Recommendations for Physicians
Resources for and actions physicians can take to demonstrate leadership and help end the nation’s opioid epidemic.
Drug testing resources

Educational and promotional images from ASAM that illustrate key points in the consensus document as well as notable data regarding addiction today.