Moderator: David Hamby, National Coordinator, National Emerging Threats Initiative, A National HIDTA Initiative, and Member, National Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit Advisory Board

CE Certified By: AMA,AAFP,ACPE,ADA,ANCC,APA,GA Bar,GA POST,NAADAC,NASW,NBCC

In this session, participants will learn lessons from a three-pronged response to the rising tide of opiate overdoses in Carroll County, Maryland, launched in 2015 by State’s Attorney Brian DeLeonardo.

First, the Stamp Out Heroin program provided further intervention for people who were treated for overdose by emergency responders. The program began by police, hospitals and first responders distributing resource cards to all overdose victims. By mid-2017, Stamp Out Heroin cards had linked more than 200 individuals to treatment services. In addition, through a partnership with a local nonprofit organization, Rising above Addiction, the state’s attorney’s office can request funds for immediate detoxification treatment at any time.

Next, the Major Overdose Initiative identifies people who experience multiple overdoses. Through information provided by local law enforcement, the office found that 35 individuals accounted for more than 100 overdoses in 2016. With this information, the office proactively worked to get these individuals into treatment through direct contact to prevent fatal overdoses. As a result of this initiative, burglaries and thefts combined for a 33% decrease in one jurisdiction.

Finally, the Early Intervention Program targets new opiate users who enter the criminal justice system. In the post-trial, pre-disposition diversion program, participants are required to get an evaluation and follow treatment recommendations, while being monitored by pretrial services. If participants are successful, they are able to get a new trial in one year, avoid serving time in the criminal justice system, and, the end result, they are granted an expungement of charges.

UPON COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
- Describe the role of the Stamp Out Heroin card in addressing the rising tide of opiate overdoses in Caroll County, Maryland.
- Explain how to use charts and reports to identify individuals at most risk for overdoses.
- Identify overdose strategies that reduce fatal overdoses, crime and recidivism.