How the Health Department MO is Tackling the Opioid Crisis in Missouri

The Opioid Crisis in Missouri

The opioid crisis has been a major issue in the United States for years, and Missouri is no exception. With more than 1,100 opioid-related deaths in 2019 alone, Missouri has been hit hard by this epidemic. The good news is that the state government, including the health department, is taking action to combat the crisis.

What is the Health Department MO?

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is responsible for protecting and improving the health and wellbeing of Missourians. The DHSS is involved in several initiatives to address the opioid crisis in the state.

Prevention Initiatives

One of the DHSS’s key initiatives is prevention. The department has implemented several measures to help prevent opioid addiction. These include:

– Prescribing guidelines: The DHSS has developed guidelines for prescribing opioids to help physicians and other healthcare providers make evidence-based decisions when it comes to prescribing opioids. This includes recommendations for opioid tapering and considering alternative treatments such as non-opioid pain management.
– Public education: The DHSS has launched several public education campaigns to raise awareness about the risks of opioid use and addiction. These campaigns focus on various aspects of the crisis, including prescription drug misuse, heroin use, and fentanyl overdose.
– Medication disposal: The DHSS has implemented a program to allow Missourians to dispose of their unused medications safely. This program helps prevent accidental ingestion and prescription drug abuse.

Treatment Initiatives

The DHSS is also involved in various treatment initiatives to help individuals struggling with opioid addiction. These include:

– Medication-assisted treatment: The DHSS supports medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs that use FDA-approved medications to treat opioid addiction. MAT has been shown to be effective in reducing opioid use and overdose deaths.
– Opioid use disorder treatment centers: The DHSS licenses and regulates opioid use disorder treatment centers (OUDTCs) in Missouri. These centers provide a range of services, including MAT and counseling, to help individuals recover from opioid addiction.
– Support groups: The DHSS supports support groups for individuals in recovery from opioid addiction and their families. Support groups provide a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals can share experiences and offer each other support and encouragement.

Conclusion

The opioid crisis in Missouri is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address. The Missouri Health Department is making significant efforts to tackle the issue and offers various initiatives to fight addiction and raise awareness. Whether it is prevention or treatment, the state is taking action to help those in need. By working together, we can make a difference in combating this crisis.