Pharmacists Call to Action

Pharmacists Call to Action as Opioid Crisis Worsens in North Carolina

By: Tyler Distasio PharmD Candidate

In the United States, drug overdose deaths have soared during the pandemic, with more than 100,000 overdose-related deaths. The National Center for Health Statistics has connected 93% of those deaths to opioid use.

Depicted in the graph below, data from the North Carolina Injury and Violence Prevention Branch shows in October 2021, overdose ED visits rose 1.1% compared to October 2020. 2020 also set a record with over a 23% increase in overdose ED visits, the largest increase reported since 2017.

In examining overdose ED visits by county, those that rank highest ending October 2021 concentrate in areas with known barriers to overdose prevention services for those with opioid use disorder. There is also a growing need for innovative approaches to increase treatment capacity by providing lifesaving medications such as buprenorphine in these areas. Collaboration between pharmacists and prescribers

Pharmacists can play a crucial role in working with prescribers to sustain patient recovery by providing education, monitoring for relapse or withdrawal, and adherence to therapy. Utilizing existing partnerships with providers and a team approach to communicating with wholesalers on buprenorphine needs can also prevent gaps in treatment so often associated with wholesaler acquisition of buprenorphine.

Since 2016, NCAP has been instrumental in providing training for pharmacists in Opioid Stewardship. One training that speaks explicitly to the pharmacist’s role in treating opioid use disorder is our 16- hour ACPE accredited virtual training entitled “Pharmacists Caring for Patients with Opioid Use Disorder.” This certificate level training addresses the treatment, recovery, and prevention of substance use disorders, conceptualizing addiction as a chronic brain disease affected by genetic, behavioral, cultural and socioeconomic factors. In addition, it leaves pharmacists with the tools necessary in developing service models consistent with treating patients in their practice setting. To learn more and register for this program click here.

Coming 2022, don’t miss out on your chance to add to your opioid repertoire by joining us for the all-new program entitled “B.U.P.E. (Buprenorphine Understanding in the Pharmacy Environment). “ This 1-hour LIVE event provides an interactive virtual opportunity for pharmacists to understand the “Why,” “Who,” and “How To” of buprenorphine dispensing with training on effective communication modeling with wholesalers, prescribers, and patients. NCAP will offer this LIVE training six times between February and August of 2022 to accommodate the busiest schedules so no one misses out.

STAY TUNED TO NCAP FOR MORE INFORMATION IN THE NEW YEAR!

Tyler Distasio PharmD Candidate Class of 2022 Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences