The opioid epidemic is a public health crisis that requires a coordinated response from a variety of stake holders, including all emergency response agencies. Because you have significant access to community members who suffer from addiction as well their loved ones, you have an opportunity to provide care and outreach beyond tending to patients who have overdosed. Come learn how the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS partnered with multiple organizations to develop a harm-reduction strategy in an effort to reduce the number of opioid related deaths and connect addicted patients to recovery services. This innovative program includes the distribution of informational pamphlets, naloxone leave behind, immediate follow up by community paramedics, and diversion directly to treatment centers. Simon Taxel will focus on the lessons learned in the development of these programs; barriers encountered and how they were mitigated; and the impact that they have on the community.
