Moderator: Tina Messer, MA, Manager, Department of Specialty Courts, Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts, and Member, Operation UNITE Board of Directors

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

Across the country, first responders are carrying and administering naloxone and successfully reversing countless overdoses. However, some are frustrated with the repeated revival of individuals, as well as continued, frequent police contacts and arrests. Some communities are exploring better ways to respond after naloxone administration, which can be an important intervention point.

This session will explore states’ overdose response teams that reach out to individuals to discuss treatment options; connect them to treatment, including immediate induction of buprenorphine during post-naloxone withdrawal; and provide take-home naloxone. Some local response teams have had success in getting a majority of individuals to enter treatment post-overdose. A crisis of this magnitude requires innovative and multiple intervention points, including post-overdose, as a part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce opioid dependency and aid in treatment and recovery from opioid use disorders.

UPON COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
- Identify key components of models of opioid overdose response teams operating in several states.
- Describe the benefits of employing opioid overdose response teams.
- Identify ways to establish linkage to treatment for opioid use disorders including immediate induction into medication assisted treatment, particularly buprenorphine.