Blog - Latest News

Blog # 4

Written by Mark W. Parrino, MPA – AATOD President
April 27, 2017

As many of our readers know, it has been impossible to pick up a paper or watch television news without hearing a story about the current opioid addiction crisis in America. President Trump recently appointed Governor Christie to be the head of the Commission, focusing on addiction and the opioid crisis. Additionally, HHS Secretary Price nominated Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use in HHS. Both of these appointments are excellent and will be extremely beneficial to our field.

 

Congress approved the CURES funding package and SAMHSA is currently working with the states and grantees to utilize the first $500 million dollars of funding in 2017.

 

Some states have extremely innovative models, such as the Vermont Hub and Spoke model. While other states have been challenged in providing access to treatment for their state residents. We have just learned that the state of Mississippi is expanding access to OTPs in order to get the patients the care they need. In the past several years, a large number of Mississippi residents have crossed the border to access care in Alabama and Louisiana. This is welcome news and we are grateful for such a progressive turn in the state’s approach to treatment.

 

We also know that a number of Tennessee residents cross the border to access care in northwestern Georgia. This border crossing caused the Georgia legislature to impose a moratorium on opening new OTPs. This moratorium is expected to be lifted at the end of the current calendar year as the legislature wraps up its findings.

 

The Commissioner of Health for West Virginia, Dr. Rahul Gupta, recently expressed his interest in developing a comprehensive plan to reduce the number of opioid related deaths in his state. I recently wrote Dr. Gupta, urging him to lift the longstanding moratorium, which has prevented the development of new OTPs in West Virginia since 2008.

 

While we are in an age of conflicting interests and a growing sense of urgency in order to protect our citizens from the ravages of opioid addiction, we also need to be clear in following evidence based practices and effective policies. Regardless of the state you live in, we need a balance of well-coordinated efforts with prevention, treatment and enforcement. These have always been the three essential policy cornerstones for any effective policy in this field.

 

We also need to be careful about advancing one addiction treatment medication at the expense of another. There are only three federally approved medications to treat opioid addiction. They all have value and they all should be used at different times in the experience of patient care depending on what the individual needs. Illustratively, Vivitrol (Naltrexone) represents an excellent medication for a former opioid addicted inmate, who has been in jail for some time and is about to be released. Many inmates generally have a fear of relapse upon release from long term incarceration even though they have not used opioids for some time. There are a number of correctional facilities that are using Vivitrol injections before the inmate is released. Once again, the key here is to ensure that the patient gets access to a referral so that they can continue their treatment with Vivitrol or other medications, which are deemed medically appropriate and effective. A number of correctional facilities are also working with treatment providers so that inmates with opioid use disorders get access to methadone and buprenorphine.

 

While methadone maintenance is still considered the “gold standard” of medications to treat this disorder, there are a number of people who have forgotten that it exists and do not factor it into their plan to treat this disorder. The state of Wyoming comes to mind as the recent recipient of a SAMHSA grant. A recent newspaper story indicated that such treatment providers do not believe that methadone is a safe medication to treat this disorder.

 

Buprenorphine is an excellent medication and access to such medication has increased through DATA 2000 practices. Once again, all of these medications should be used with effective and well-coordinated services.

 

Ultimately, there will be many discussions about what works best for patients and how the system should function in an integrated way. The only way we are going to get a handle in dealing with an epidemic that has taken 25 years to develop, is to be clear in setting realistic goals about what can be done.

 

Finally, financial and workforce resources also need to be available as treatment access increases.

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@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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