SAMHSA’s Providers Clinical Support System for Opioid Overdose Epidemic
In response to the opioid overdose epidemic, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is setting up support systems for primary care providers. Nationwide, primary care providers are on the front lines. Thus, SAMHSA realizes these providers need to be able to identify and treat opioid use disorders (OUD). Without knowledge of evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies, the challenge can prove too overwhelming. Hence, the Providers Clinical Support System (PCSS) is a new solution.
As a provider of both primary care services and OUD treatment options, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) is aware of this challenge. In TTC’s primary care clinics, clinicians and staff are trained in evidence-based practices regarding substance use disorders. At the same time, TTC appreciates SAMHSA’s efforts to expand training options and provide additional resources. When it comes to the opioid overdose epidemic, such resources are crucial for saving lives.
Evidence-Based Practices for Opioid Overdose Epidemic
According to the SAMHSA-funded website, “PCSS is made up of a coalition, led by American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP), of major healthcare organizations all dedicated to addressing this healthcare crisis. Through a variety of trainings and a clinical mentoring program, PCSS’s mission is to increase healthcare providers’ knowledge and skills in the prevention, identification, and treatment of substance use disorders with a focus on opioid use disorders.”
As a provider of Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT), TTC is an expert at helping people with OUD navigate the difficulties of early recovery. Including withdrawal management, MAT Services are evidence-based treatment practices that work in practice. Once an opioid use disorder is identified, the first step is to get a patient into treatment. Tragically, too many people lose their lives when they are on the verge of accessing help. Moreover, the final time a drug user takes a shot or snorts a line turns out to be the deadly start of a fatal overdose.
PCSS Strategy for the Opioid Overdose Epidemic
Taking a multi-prong approach to the challenge, PCSS outlines three main goals. The objective of the new program are as follows:
- Maintain and expand a comprehensive electronic repository of training materials and educational resources to support evidence-based treatment of opioid use disorder.
- Expand existing clinical mentoring program to provide guidance to prescribers and key health professionals on prevention, identification, and treatment of opioid use disorder.
- Expand training for physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.
For years, TTC has made it a priority to train physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants in this area. Given the open and flexible nature of our clinics in Southern California, TTC treats many people in difficult situations. In many cases, these situations are the result of or made worse by substance use disorders (SUD). Being on the front lines, knowledge of evidence-based practices, particularly with OUD, is a necessity.
Opioid Overdose Epidemic – What’s Next?
Without question, the opioid overdose epidemic is going to be an ongoing challenge. Unfortunately, there are no easy answers to such complex problems. Hence, TTC supports the new PCSS emphasis on evidence-based strategies and mentorship. Indeed, as described on the PCSS website, “The PCSS Mentoring Program is a national network of trained clinicians with expertise in treating substance use disorders, co-occurring mental disorders, and pain management.”
Such mentoring makes sense, placing a value on experience and expertise. With over fifty years as a nonprofit providing SUD treatment services, TTC is an iconic example of such an organization. Indeed, if you or a loved one needs help, please do not become another statistic in the opioid overdose epidemic. Instead, contact us today for help.