MACS Monthly: January 2021

MONTHLY | January 2021

MACS provides support to Maryland prescribers and their practices 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

There's still time to sign up! Registration closes January 13. If you missed the Intro to ECHO session, the recording is available on our website.

More information

NEWS

Increase in Fatal Drug Overdoses Across the United States Driven by Synthetic Opioids Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Approximately 81,230 drug overdose deaths occurred from March 2019 - May 2020, the largest number of drug overdoses for a 12-month period ever recorded. These data highlight the need for essential services to remain accessible for those most at risk of overdose and the need to expand prevention and response activities. Read more...

Overdose-Related Cardiac Arrests Observed by Emergency Medical Services During the US COVID-19 Epidemic

This retrospective examined a large, national EMS database to characterize trends in overdose deaths fueled by the pandemic. The findings emphasize the need for investments in substance use treatment, harm reduction, and structural drivers of overdose as core elements of COVID-19 response. Read more...

Stigma as a Fundamental Hindrance to the United States Opioid Overdose Crisis Response

Different types of stigma surround opioid use contributing to health inequities across multiple social and physical health outcomes. This article includes a typology of the stigma related to opioid use, showing how multiple dimensions of stigma continue to fundamentally hinder the response to the crisis.

Action item: Register for our upcoming stigma webinar. Learn about person-centered language and implementing strategies to address stigma to improve patient outcomes and care.

Rapid evidence review of harm reduction interventions and messaging for people who inject drugs during pandemic events: implications for the ongoing COVID-19 response

"This rapid evidence review was conducted with the aim of exploring what Harm Reduction (HR) interventions and messaging are most effective during a pandemic. HR services should be considered as essential during a pandemic and should be encouraged to operate flexibly to best meet the needs of their local community of PWID." Read more...