Blog - Latest News

Blog # 2

Written by Mark W. Parrino, MPA – AATOD President
October 22, 2013

We are in the final stages of conference planning and many of AATOD’s leading initiatives will be discussed during the course of this five day conference. Most of our associates have been following the announcements of this conference over the course of the summer. We will feature topics on Health Care reform and increasing access to Medication Assisted Treatment in the criminal justice system. I talked about these matters in my first blog.

There have been an increasing number of challenges to our system over the course of the past several years, and such efforts are intensifying. We continue to read stories about the difficulty of siting OTPs in many cities throughout the country based on negative perception and long standing stigma. Fortunately, many of our provider associates are challenging such long held perceptions and are setting legal precedent in several cities that are clearly using discriminatory tactics and preventing the siting of much needed OTPs. Our treatment system has also expanded significantly over the past ten years and a greater number of patients are entering treatment.

I have worked with our provider associates and state agencies in the US during the course of my career to increase access to care wherever it is needed. I have also participated in many fierce public meetings where people challenge our treatment of patients and our use of medications to treat chronic opioid addiction. The basic premise remains as true today as it did almost 50 years ago, as methadone was being used as a maintenance agent for the first time in Rockefeller University. Patients should be able to remain in treatment as long as they benefit from the use of such medications. This point has been made repeatedly throughout the literature and evidence-based clinical practices.

It is the responsibility of each and every OTP in the United States to educate members of the surrounding community, whether such individuals include local merchants, drug courts, police departments, or any group that the OTP needs to work with on behalf of preserving the care for our patients.

We also believe that patient advocates are critical to these educational efforts and to work in conjunction with treatment providers and other entities at the county or state level who wish to promote the treatment for chronic opioid dependence.

In one sense, OTPs have a curious advantage in needing to be compliant with balanced federal and state regulatory requirements so that patients receive a range of treatment services in addition to medication.

I hope to see many of our provider associates at our conference in Philadelphia so that they can benefit from the training opportunities and the policy information which are essential to guide the future strategic development of our system of care. We can never be complacent in working with community groups in any part of the country. As always, we welcome any comments you may have about these perspectives.

 

 

2 replies
  1. Keith Spare
    Keith Spare says:

    Congratulations on getting into the blog sphere. OTP face many challenges. They are quite lucky to be represented by AATOD. I truely hope you have a successful conference. Anyone who can find their way to your conference will be rewarded with experiencing one of the most educational and professonally supportive events available to both addiction professionals and the recovery community.
    Mark is on the money in holding up the role of advocates.
    Best wishes to all.

    Reply
  2. Max Menius
    Max Menius says:

    In reflecting on the negative sentiment toward methadone, there are more people coming around to the reality of the opioid epidemic. As people face the reality of the problem, methadone as a legitimate treatment alternative can begin to gain more acceptance.

    This, of course, depends in large part on each and every methadone clinic operating ethically & cleanly with consistent effort made to manage the clinic well. There are bad clinics around, and these few bad apples do a terrible disservice to methadone clinics everywhere.

    The well run clinics typically operate almost invisibly and do not draw attention to themselves while poorly run clinics garner the media’s attention with rare overdoses and sensationalistic news.

    Reply

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Visit the aatod conference website for more details…www.aatodconference.com.

@aatod1984
  • 3/28 Expanding Access to #Methadone in Correctional Facilities will focus on opportunities to expand access to methadone in correctional facilities, including recent developments with the SAMHSA 2024 final rule on the use of methadone.

Register ➡️ bit.ly/3Vz1RPE
  • Invitation to SAMHSA Webinars on 42 CFR Part 8 💻 

On February 2, 2024, the final rule for 42 CFR Part 8 was published. The effective date for these regulations is April 2, 2024, with an implementation date of October 2, 2024. 

In preparation for implementation of the revisions, SAMHSA will provide two preliminary webinars for OTPs.  The first will focus on administrative areas; the second will focus more on clinical content. These will be held on March 20th (from 2-3pm EST) and March 27th, 2024 (from 2- 3pm EST).  

REGISTER ➡ https://conta.cc/3TF9CSQ

View the final rule ➡ https://lnkd.in/e_iu-AtG.

There will be an opportunity to receive an overview of the rule changes and discuss with SAMHSA the implications of the changes. 

We encourage you to attend these important meetings to assist you in determining how you will need to prepare for full implementation of these regulations. 

This webinar series will be moderated by Mark W. Parrino, MPA (AATOD President). Speakers include Yngvild Olsen, MD, MPH (Director - CSAT), Robert Baillieu, MD, MPH, FAAFP (Physician and Senior Advisor - SAMHSA/CSAT, and Patti Juliana, PhD, LCSW
(Director - CSAT’s Division of Pharmacologic Therapies).

The presentations will be followed by Q&A, and these webinars will become available to the public for On-Demand viewing via the AATOD website. Certificates of Attendance will be provided per request.
  • Don’t miss out on the chance to show your support, share your products/services and secure your sponsorship at the AATOD 2024 Conference, �The world’s premier training conference event for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. #aatod2024

The 2024 AATOD Conference will attract over 1,600 physicians, social workers, nurses, counselors, program administrators, executive directors, and other treatment providers from many countries. The registrants are decision-makers with purchasing power for their treatment centers and are looking for new products, services, and information to improve their patient treatment.

To become an exhibitor today —> https://bit.ly/48ZKMRX
  • TREATING OPIOID USE DISORDER: SO MUCH MORE THAN MEDICATION

💻 View the latest Conference Video Message from AATOD's President, Mark W. Parrino bit.ly/48y815w,
for the most up-to-date details regarding the upcoming #aatod2024 Conference -
The world's premier training conference event for the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. #OUD 

Registration ➡️ www.aatodconference.com
  • TREATING OPIOID USE DISORDER: SO MUCH MORE THAN MEDICATION #aatod2024

TODAY is the last day to take advantage of the discounted registration rate. #aatod2024 is the world’s premier training conference event for the treatment of #OUD.

For registration and hotel information ➡️ bit.ly/3Ue57Q6.

We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas!
  • #aatod2024 Conference Update. Comprehensive Listing/Descriptions of Workshops, Posters, and Hot Topic Roundtable Conference Sessions are now available ➡️ http://bit.ly/3Ue57Q6.

The workshop committee is pleased to present a dynamic workshop lineup that includes extremely rich and diverse educational content for all disciplines. You will hear from experts who will share the latest research and developments relating to opioid use disorders and treatment. The workshop lineup will include state of the art information on diverse areas of focus such as patient care and best practices, building community partnerships and collaborations, public policy and regulatory changes, workforce development, quality assurance, and financial reimbursement. There will be workshops that focus on emerging treatment trends and developments such as the fentanyl epidemic, mobile opioid treatment programs, regulatory changes, expansion of treatment services in rural areas, integrating treatment with the corrections systems, and integrating harm reduction initiatives. For those newer to the field or those who want a refresher on the basics, we have once again included a “Foundations” track which will include selections on the fundamentals of medication assisted treatment.

The conference will continue to be the world’s premier training and education event for the treatment of opioid use disorders.  We hope to see you in Las Vegas!
  • Patient access to OTPs saves lives every day.

AATOD has been working with policymakers and regulatory authorities to increase access to opioid treatment programs (OTPs) though the expansion of mobile vans and Medication Assisted Treatment in correctional facilities in the United States. 

Please support AATOD's mission by making an online donation ➡️ https://bit.ly/3uDOeDC #givingtuesday
  • Lev Facher represented a fair reporting of the current #methadone policy debate that took place at last week’s #STATSummit. 

“Mark Parrino, AATOD’s founder and president, cautioned during the panel that achieving sweeping change might not be so easy. The health system, he argued, is unprepared and even unwilling to make methadone a part of primary care. Potential obstacles, he said, include doctors’ lack of enthusiasm about prescribing methadone; pharmacists’ unwillingness to stock and dispense it; and drug manufacturers’ reluctance to manufacture and distribute it more widely, especially following the lawsuits and criticism many have experienced in the wake of the opioid crisis and the prescription opioid oversupply that accelerated it.” #morethanmedicine #opioidusedisorder #OpposetheMOTAA 

Read More ➡️ bit.ly/3tKb1gy
  • Earn up to 6 LADC & LPC CEU’s at 9th Annual OKATOD Conference, which is convening this Thursday, Oct 12th in Oklahoma City. 

This year, the focus turns to the paramount theme of #harmreduction and its profound role in ushering transformative pathways to #recovery.

Registration is now officially open, and you can secure your tickets promptly ➡️ bit.ly/45l3mm1

For more information, please visit www.okatod.org or send an email to a_rios@oktreatment.com.
  • Join OKATOD, one of AATOD’s state chapters, in Oklahoma City on Oct 12 as they convene their ninth annual OKATOD Conference. This year’s theme is HARM REDUCTION: A TRANSFORMATIVE APPROACH. 

Speakers include Mark Parrino (AATOD President), Maia Szalavitz, Teresa Stephensen, Dr. Larry Lovelace, Angela Harnden, Shajine Blake, and Jason Hall. 

Register ➡️ bit.ly/461CkkG
3/28 Expanding Access to #Methadone in Correctional Facilities will focus on opportunities to expand access to methadone in correctional facilities, including recent developments with the SAMHSA 2024 final rule on the use of methadone.

Register ➡️ bit.ly/3Vz1RPE
3/28 Expanding Access to #Methadone in Correctional Facilities will focus on opportunities to expand access to methadone in correctional facilities, including recent developments with the SAMHSA 2024 final rule on the use of methadone. Register ➡️ bit.ly/3Vz1RPE
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/10
Invitation to SAMHSA Webinars on 42 CFR Part 8 💻 

On February 2, 2024, the final rule for 42 CFR Part 8 was published. The effective date for these regulations is April 2, 2024, with an implementation date of October 2, 2024. 

In preparation for implementation of the revisions, SAMHSA will provide two preliminary webinars for OTPs.  The first will focus on administrative areas; the second will focus more on clinical content. These will be held on March 20th (from 2-3pm EST) and March 27th, 2024 (from 2- 3pm EST).  

REGISTER ➡ https://conta.cc/3TF9CSQ

View the final rule ➡ https://lnkd.in/e_iu-AtG.

There will be an opportunity to receive an overview of the rule changes and discuss with SAMHSA the implications of the changes. 

We encourage you to attend these important meetings to assist you in determining how you will need to prepare for full implementation of these regulations. 

This webinar series will be moderated by Mark W. Parrino, MPA (AATOD President). Speakers include Yngvild Olsen, MD, MPH (Director - CSAT), Robert Baillieu, MD, MPH, FAAFP (Physician and Senior Advisor - SAMHSA/CSAT, and Patti Juliana, PhD, LCSW
(Director - CSAT’s Division of Pharmacologic Therapies).

The presentations will be followed by Q&A, and these webinars will become available to the public for On-Demand viewing via the AATOD website. Certificates of Attendance will be provided per request.
Invitation to SAMHSA Webinars on 42 CFR Part 8 💻 On February 2, 2024, the final rule for 42 CFR Part 8 was published. The effective date for these regulations is April 2, 2024, with an implementation date of October 2, 2024. In preparation for implementation of the revisions, SAMHSA will provide two preliminary webinars for OTPs.  The first will focus on administrative areas; the second will focus more on clinical content. These will be held on March 20th (from 2-3pm EST) and March 27th, 2024 (from 2- 3pm EST).  REGISTER ➡ https://conta.cc/3TF9CSQ View the final rule ➡ https://lnkd.in/e_iu-AtG. There will be an opportunity to receive an overview of the rule changes and discuss with SAMHSA the implications of the changes. We encourage you to attend these important meetings to assist you in determining how you will need to prepare for full implementation of these regulations. This webinar series will be moderated by Mark W. Parrino, MPA (AATOD President). Speakers include Yngvild Olsen, MD, MPH (Director - CSAT), Robert Baillieu, MD, MPH, FAAFP (Physician and Senior Advisor - SAMHSA/CSAT, and Patti Juliana, PhD, LCSW (Director - CSAT’s Division of Pharmacologic Therapies). The presentations will be followed by Q&A, and these webinars will become available to the public for On-Demand viewing via the AATOD website. Certificates of Attendance will be provided per request.
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
2/10
Don’t miss out on the chance to show your support, share your products/services and secure your sponsorship at the AATOD 2024 Conference, �The world’s premier training conference event for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. #aatod2024

The 2024 AATOD Conference will attract over 1,600 physicians, social workers, nurses, counselors, program administrators, executive directors, and other treatment providers from many countries. The registrants are decision-makers with purchasing power for their treatment centers and are looking for new products, services, and information to improve their patient treatment.

To become an exhibitor today —> https://bit.ly/48ZKMRX
Don’t miss out on the chance to show your support, share your products/services and secure your sponsorship at the AATOD 2024 Conference, �The world’s premier training conference event for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. #aatod2024 The 2024 AATOD Conference will attract over 1,600 physicians, social workers, nurses, counselors, program administrators, executive directors, and other treatment providers from many countries. The registrants are decision-makers with purchasing power for their treatment centers and are looking for new products, services, and information to improve their patient treatment. To become an exhibitor today —> https://bit.ly/48ZKMRX
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/10
TREATING OPIOID USE DISORDER: SO MUCH MORE THAN MEDICATION

💻 View the latest Conference Video Message from AATOD's President, Mark W. Parrino bit.ly/48y815w,
for the most up-to-date details regarding the upcoming #aatod2024 Conference -
The world's premier training conference event for the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. #OUD 

Registration ➡️ www.aatodconference.com
TREATING OPIOID USE DISORDER: SO MUCH MORE THAN MEDICATION 💻 View the latest Conference Video Message from AATOD's President, Mark W. Parrino bit.ly/48y815w, for the most up-to-date details regarding the upcoming #aatod2024 Conference - The world's premier training conference event for the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. #OUD Registration ➡️ www.aatodconference.com
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
4/10
TREATING OPIOID USE DISORDER: SO MUCH MORE THAN MEDICATION #aatod2024

TODAY is the last day to take advantage of the discounted registration rate. #aatod2024 is the world’s premier training conference event for the treatment of #OUD.

For registration and hotel information ➡️ bit.ly/3Ue57Q6.

We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas!
TREATING OPIOID USE DISORDER: SO MUCH MORE THAN MEDICATION #aatod2024 TODAY is the last day to take advantage of the discounted registration rate. #aatod2024 is the world’s premier training conference event for the treatment of #OUD. For registration and hotel information ➡️ bit.ly/3Ue57Q6. We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas!
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/10
#aatod2024 Conference Update. Comprehensive Listing/Descriptions of Workshops, Posters, and Hot Topic Roundtable Conference Sessions are now available ➡️ http://bit.ly/3Ue57Q6.

The workshop committee is pleased to present a dynamic workshop lineup that includes extremely rich and diverse educational content for all disciplines. You will hear from experts who will share the latest research and developments relating to opioid use disorders and treatment. The workshop lineup will include state of the art information on diverse areas of focus such as patient care and best practices, building community partnerships and collaborations, public policy and regulatory changes, workforce development, quality assurance, and financial reimbursement. There will be workshops that focus on emerging treatment trends and developments such as the fentanyl epidemic, mobile opioid treatment programs, regulatory changes, expansion of treatment services in rural areas, integrating treatment with the corrections systems, and integrating harm reduction initiatives. For those newer to the field or those who want a refresher on the basics, we have once again included a “Foundations” track which will include selections on the fundamentals of medication assisted treatment.

The conference will continue to be the world’s premier training and education event for the treatment of opioid use disorders.  We hope to see you in Las Vegas!
#aatod2024 Conference Update. Comprehensive Listing/Descriptions of Workshops, Posters, and Hot Topic Roundtable Conference Sessions are now available ➡️ http://bit.ly/3Ue57Q6. The workshop committee is pleased to present a dynamic workshop lineup that includes extremely rich and diverse educational content for all disciplines. You will hear from experts who will share the latest research and developments relating to opioid use disorders and treatment. The workshop lineup will include state of the art information on diverse areas of focus such as patient care and best practices, building community partnerships and collaborations, public policy and regulatory changes, workforce development, quality assurance, and financial reimbursement. There will be workshops that focus on emerging treatment trends and developments such as the fentanyl epidemic, mobile opioid treatment programs, regulatory changes, expansion of treatment services in rural areas, integrating treatment with the corrections systems, and integrating harm reduction initiatives. For those newer to the field or those who want a refresher on the basics, we have once again included a “Foundations” track which will include selections on the fundamentals of medication assisted treatment. The conference will continue to be the world’s premier training and education event for the treatment of opioid use disorders. We hope to see you in Las Vegas!
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/10
Patient access to OTPs saves lives every day.

AATOD has been working with policymakers and regulatory authorities to increase access to opioid treatment programs (OTPs) though the expansion of mobile vans and Medication Assisted Treatment in correctional facilities in the United States. 

Please support AATOD's mission by making an online donation ➡️ https://bit.ly/3uDOeDC #givingtuesday
Patient access to OTPs saves lives every day. AATOD has been working with policymakers and regulatory authorities to increase access to opioid treatment programs (OTPs) though the expansion of mobile vans and Medication Assisted Treatment in correctional facilities in the United States. Please support AATOD's mission by making an online donation ➡️ https://bit.ly/3uDOeDC #givingtuesday
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
7/10
Lev Facher represented a fair reporting of the current #methadone policy debate that took place at last week’s #STATSummit. 

“Mark Parrino, AATOD’s founder and president, cautioned during the panel that achieving sweeping change might not be so easy. The health system, he argued, is unprepared and even unwilling to make methadone a part of primary care. Potential obstacles, he said, include doctors’ lack of enthusiasm about prescribing methadone; pharmacists’ unwillingness to stock and dispense it; and drug manufacturers’ reluctance to manufacture and distribute it more widely, especially following the lawsuits and criticism many have experienced in the wake of the opioid crisis and the prescription opioid oversupply that accelerated it.” #morethanmedicine #opioidusedisorder #OpposetheMOTAA 

Read More ➡️ bit.ly/3tKb1gy
Lev Facher represented a fair reporting of the current #methadone policy debate that took place at last week’s #STATSummit. “Mark Parrino, AATOD’s founder and president, cautioned during the panel that achieving sweeping change might not be so easy. The health system, he argued, is unprepared and even unwilling to make methadone a part of primary care. Potential obstacles, he said, include doctors’ lack of enthusiasm about prescribing methadone; pharmacists’ unwillingness to stock and dispense it; and drug manufacturers’ reluctance to manufacture and distribute it more widely, especially following the lawsuits and criticism many have experienced in the wake of the opioid crisis and the prescription opioid oversupply that accelerated it.” #morethanmedicine #opioidusedisorder #OpposetheMOTAA Read More ➡️ bit.ly/3tKb1gy
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
8/10
Earn up to 6 LADC & LPC CEU’s at 9th Annual OKATOD Conference, which is convening this Thursday, Oct 12th in Oklahoma City. 

This year, the focus turns to the paramount theme of #harmreduction and its profound role in ushering transformative pathways to #recovery.

Registration is now officially open, and you can secure your tickets promptly ➡️ bit.ly/45l3mm1

For more information, please visit www.okatod.org or send an email to a_rios@oktreatment.com.
Earn up to 6 LADC & LPC CEU’s at 9th Annual OKATOD Conference, which is convening this Thursday, Oct 12th in Oklahoma City. 

This year, the focus turns to the paramount theme of #harmreduction and its profound role in ushering transformative pathways to #recovery.

Registration is now officially open, and you can secure your tickets promptly ➡️ bit.ly/45l3mm1

For more information, please visit www.okatod.org or send an email to a_rios@oktreatment.com.
Earn up to 6 LADC & LPC CEU’s at 9th Annual OKATOD Conference, which is convening this Thursday, Oct 12th in Oklahoma City. This year, the focus turns to the paramount theme of #harmreduction and its profound role in ushering transformative pathways to #recovery. Registration is now officially open, and you can secure your tickets promptly ➡️ bit.ly/45l3mm1 For more information, please visit www.okatod.org or send an email to a_rios@oktreatment.com.
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/10
Join OKATOD, one of AATOD’s state chapters, in Oklahoma City on Oct 12 as they convene their ninth annual OKATOD Conference. This year’s theme is HARM REDUCTION: A TRANSFORMATIVE APPROACH. 

Speakers include Mark Parrino (AATOD President), Maia Szalavitz, Teresa Stephensen, Dr. Larry Lovelace, Angela Harnden, Shajine Blake, and Jason Hall. 

Register ➡️ bit.ly/461CkkG
Join OKATOD, one of AATOD’s state chapters, in Oklahoma City on Oct 12 as they convene their ninth annual OKATOD Conference. This year’s theme is HARM REDUCTION: A TRANSFORMATIVE APPROACH. Speakers include Mark Parrino (AATOD President), Maia Szalavitz, Teresa Stephensen, Dr. Larry Lovelace, Angela Harnden, Shajine Blake, and Jason Hall. Register ➡️ bit.ly/461CkkG
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
10/10

Invitation to SAMHSA Webinars on 42 CFR Part 8 💻
In preparation for implementation of the revisions, #SAMHSA will provide two preliminary #webinars for #OTPs - administrative areas & clinical content. Register ➡️ https://conta.cc/3TF9CSQ.

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