5 Ways to Target the Opioid Epidemic at #MACoCon

opioid addiction

Opioid addiction and overdoses have become an epidemic in Maryland and across the country. Attend these sessions at MACo’s Summer Conference to join the conversation on what county governments can do to stem the tide and serve our residents struggling with this disease.

1. Get Certified to Administer Naloxone!
In this interactive training, participants will become certified to administer naloxone, the overdose-reversal medication, along with learning hands-only CPR. Attend “Stayin’ Alive” – Learn to Save a Life with Naloxone Training for Opioid Overdoses and Hands-Only CPR on Wednesday, August 16, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

2. Hear a Case Study from a Healthcare Provider
This presentation will describe Aetna’s approach to the crisis. Learn more about how they are reducing the supply of opioids, supporting appropriate prescribing, reducing harm from problematic use, and supporting individuals who have developed substance use disorder. Hear how Aetna is integrating this approach with the community, government, and providers. Don’t miss Aetna’s Response to the Opioid Epidemic: A Case Study of Health Plan Resource and Response for the Community on Thursday, August 17, from 12:15 pm -12:45 pm.

3. Discuss Collaborative Approaches to Attack the Epidemic
The heroin and opioid epidemic has involved into a major health crisis. In this session, panelists will discuss how a collaborative approach inspires all stakeholders—across the boundaries of criminal justice, public health, and human services—to act as a single, integrated community and point the way toward powerful new solutions. Join us on Friday, August 18, from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm for Attacking the Opioid Epidemic: A Collaborative Approach.

4. Talk to FBI Experts About the Crisis
In an effort to combat the growing epidemic of prescription drug and heroin abuse, the FBI and DEA have released a documentary aimed at educating students and young adults about the dangers of addiction. Be there to view the documentary and hear from FBI agents involved in the making of the documentary: “Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict” on Saturday, August 19, from 9:00 am – 10:00 am.

5. Participate in a Forum to Discuss County Challenges & Solutions
Representatives from the Governor’s Opioid Operational Command Center will give updates and take questions. This forum provides an avenue for discussion on best practices and how we can partner together to move forward. Attendees are encouraged to attend and voice concerns, discuss what is needed, and to provide examples of what they are doing to stem the epidemic. Be sure you’re there: Opioid Forum: Combating the Crisis, Saturday, August 19, from 10:00 am – 11:15 am.

Descriptions of these sessions and other MACo Summer Conference sessions are available in our registration brochure.

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: