Continuing the fight against opioid misuse and addiction

The opioid crisis continues to overwhelm communities across the country and impact us all. Current estimates show more than 130 people die each day from opioid-related drug overdoses, countless more are misusing these drugs and, unfortunately, an upsurge in the use of illicit drugs has been a by-product of the epidemic. Young or old, rich or poor, educated or not, few have been spared the impact of this crisis.   

While we have accomplished much in reducing the number of opioid prescriptions and better managing treatment for those who need pain medication, this epidemic needs new approaches to continue the fight. As the healthcare partner to one in three Americans, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Companies across the country are committed to ending this epidemic and ensuring that those who suffer from opioid misuse get the right care at the right time.

Earlier this month, we convened several of our member companies in Washington, D.C. for a summit where we discussed advancements in treatment and care, lessons learned as well as next steps to tackling this crisis.

Here are just a few examples of how we are fighting to help people recover, community by community. 

For those diagnosed with substance use disorder, the rate of relapse can be anywhere from 40 to 60 percent, and in New Mexico a third of all emergency room visits are related to substance abuse and mental health disorders. To stop the revolving door, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico began engaging patients through Peer Support Specialists who are themselves in active recovery. The specialists are trained to identify and connect patients with available resources – such as homeless shelters, health clinics and mental health services – aiding in the recovery process, by helping to bridge the gap between individuals and needed care.

Over the summer, the Independence Blue Cross Foundation brought its “Someone You Know” grassroots campaign to Washington, D.C. to share its experience in reducing the stigma surrounding opioid misuse. The campaign tells the stories of real people who have faced opioid addiction and found life in recovery or supported a loved one through their addiction. The stories are shared through blog posts, social media, podcasts and mobile listening stations.  

Tennessee, a state hit hard by this epidemic, especially among pregnant women, faces a growing number of babies born with opioid addiction. To address this troubling trend BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is supporting women and babies through a variety of programs and services including a grassroots educational campaign and $1 million grant to the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.

As we witness the wrath of this epidemic continuing, we are also seeing signs of progress. Last year opioid prescriptions among Blue Cross and Blue Shield members dropped by 29 percent, and for the first time in eight years there was a drop in diagnoses of opioid use disorder. We know the battle continues and as lawmakers and regulators continue to seek solutions, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association developed a set of recommendations, Turning the Corner: Recommendations for the Next Steps to Curb the Opioid Crisis. #Opioids #CommunityHealth #Healthcare #Solutions