The latest education, resources, and news for substance use services and pain management
MONTHLY | October 2020
MACS provides support to Maryland prescribers and their practices in addressing the needs of their patients with substance use disorders and chronic pain management.
October 16th marks three years of MACS providing support to prescribers across Maryland. Thank you for being a part of the MACS community. MACS has grown in size and services since 2017. Our expanded array of services include:
Exploring the impact of the opioid epidemic in Black and Hispanic communities in the United States
Although there have been significant increases in the number of opioid-related overdose deaths in Black and Hispanic communities, the media narrative for this epidemic is often portrayed as a White, Non-Hispanic rural and suburban crisis. This article addressed culturally aligned policy considerations and treatment options for Black and Hispanic communities impacted by the opioid epidemic.Read more...
COVID-19 risk and outcomes in patients with substance use disorders: analyses from electronic health records in the US
Co-authored by NIDA Director, Nora Volkow, MD, this research found those with SUDs are more vulnerable to COVID-19. Findings suggest providers develop action plans with their patients who have SUDs to prevent infection and/or complications from COVID-19. Read more...
Taking Black Pain Seriously
Myths, disparities, and pervasive systemic inequities in health care have fostered bias and distorted perceptions of Black people’s pain, leading to catastrophic outcomes. This point of view article in NEJM identifies the urgent need for addressing inequities in pain care for Black patients.Read more...
Overdue for an Overhaul
How Opioid Treatment Programs Can Learn From COVID-19
"We now have a vital opportunity to advance the science in defining stability and success in methadone treatment, and to imagine and test ways in which telemedicine technology may facilitate OUD treatment." MACS Consultants, Drs. Aaron Greenblatt, Devang Gandhi, and Eric Weintraub, and Evaluator, Mimi Belcher, PhD, co-authored this commentary encouraging updates to opioid treatment programs following relaxed regulations. Read more...
HOLIDAYS | The MACS line will be closed:
October 12 - Indigenous Peoples' Day
November 3 - Election Day
November 11 - Veteran's Day
November 26 & 27 - Thanksgiving
#MACSpotlight - September
Get to know the MACS team!
Each month we will feature a MACS team member in the #MACSpotlight.
Follow us on social media for the next #MACSpotlight on Friday, 10/16.