Title
Receive and accept an oral report from the Prescribe Safe Initiative regarding efforts and outcomes for the county including Naloxone (Narcan) distribution efforts.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Receive and accept an oral report from the Prescribe Safe Initiative regarding efforts and outcomes for the county including Naloxone (Narcan) distribution efforts.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
U.S. sales of prescription opioid drugs for medical use began to rise dramatically starting in 1999. While these drugs have therapeutic benefit, their use can lead to accidental overdose and long-term addiction if risks are not carefully managed through patient education and oversight. Patients, their families, and the surrounding community can be impacted. Prescriptions that are stronger than needed, in greater quantities than necessary, or duplicate prescriptions; a combination which can all lead to dangerous outcomes for patients. Nationally, opioid sales, prescription opioid related deaths, and admissions for opioid addiction treatment all increased dramatically over the last 20 years.
Counties have begun to respond to the epidemic by developing local response efforts through collaboratives. Prescribe Safe Monterey County was formed in 2014 by local Emergency Department physicians, the Monterey County Health Department, Behavioral Health Bureau, and local law enforcement. Prescribe Safe Monterey County brings together over 18 local agencies and organizations with goals and actions to support, educate, and provide resources for our residents, physicians and patients on the dangers of prescription drugs, the safe use of prescription medications, safe and effective pain management options, and increase access to treatment for opioid addiction in Monterey County. Safe prescribing and reduction in access to opioid prescription drugs has led to the manufacturing, sales and distribution of illicit drugs including fake Percocet or Oxycodone ...
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