As we approach the holiday season, there is a lot to be joyful about. Though unfortunately for many, this time of year can also bring a lot of heartache. Especially for those of us who have lost a loved one to the pain of addiction. Just five years ago, this became a reality for myself and my family due to the loss of my dear brother, Jake. I am sharing parts of this personal story to shed light on the importance of putting an end to the opioid epidemic in America, and all over the world for that matter.
To know Jake was to love him. He had a contagious smile and was always quick to lend a helping hand, all while sharing a story about how much he loved his family. His dedication to supporting himself and those around him showed in his dedication to so much in life, including his strength in trying to pursue and maintain recovery. Yet sadly, as many people may know, addiction can be gripping. Jake passed away in 2018 due to an overdose. It was the Monday after Thanksgiving weekend, he was only 28.
Since that awful day, and through my brother’s struggle with addiction, I have worked hard to identify the opportunities for change regarding the prescription and use of opioid narcotics. In the realm of healthcare, particularly for those involved in ambulatory care like Cory Legere Consulting, understanding and adhering to state requirements and regulations regarding narcotic prescriptions is paramount. As we delve into the importance of this practice, we also recognize the crucial role that everyone must play to combat this horrible epidemic that causes so many preventable deaths.
Firstly, knowing your state’s regulations is a pillar of responsible healthcare practice. Within the complex landscape of healthcare, staying informed about state-specific regulations on narcotic prescriptions is not just a legal necessity, it is a moral responsibility. Cory Legere Consulting’s commitment to advancing the consumerization of healthcare aligns seamlessly with the responsible and ethical handling of prescription medications. By understanding and adhering to state requirements, healthcare providers contribute significantly to patient safety and regulatory compliance.
Moreover, as healthcare professionals, using Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) becomes an invaluable tool in preventing the misuse of narcotics. According to The American Academy of Pain Medicine, the number of deaths caused by the misuse of prescribed opioid analgesics and other controlled substances has risen significantly as the prescription rates for narcotic pain medication has risen as well. Regularly checking PDMP data allows healthcare providers to track a patient’s prescription history, identify potential red flags, and make informed decisions about their care. This proactive approach is a key component of Cory Legere Consulting’s dedication to optimizing operations and delivering exceptional care, doing what we can to help prevent opioid addiction.
Though our efforts are great at Cory Legere Consulting, we all have a collective responsibility to combat the opioid crisis. Beyond the realm of healthcare providers, every individual plays a part in addressing the opioid epidemic. Our mission at Cory Legere Consulting is to be a trusted partner for healthcare entities, extending beyond consulting and advocating for a broader societal responsibility. By fostering awareness, providing education, and encouraging community engagement, we can collectively reduce the number of overdoses and curb the devastating impact of the narcotic epidemic.
Through the work we do at Cory Legere Consulting, we are calling for a more unified front against opioid misuse, and for more regulatory compliance regarding the prescription of narcotic pain medication. In the pursuit of advancing the consumerization of healthcare, Cory Legere Consulting emphasizes the importance of navigating the opioid crisis with knowledge, responsibility, and a shared commitment to patient well-being. If you, or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there is help available. Here are just a few resources that provide profound help to those in need:
Weber Renew : Rhode Island’s Center for Harm Reduction and Recovery Services
Through peer-led outreach, Project Weber/RENEW provides harm reduction and recovery support services, builds relationships with the people we serve, and fights for systemic change.
Anchor Recovery Community Centers
Anchor Recovery Centers are entirely run by people with lived experience with addiction recovery and our allies who have experience with the addiction recovery journey.
The Recovery Village Drug and Alcohol Rehab offers patients a full continuum of care, including medical detox, residential services and outpatient programs, plus a host of helpful resources on their website.
SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
Compassionate care and maintaining compliance is essential to keeping patients’ well being at the center of this specialty in healthcare. This initiative is dear to my heart and is my duty to honor my brother, Jake. In his memory, and to help other families struggling within the opioid epidemic, this is the very least I can do. By staying informed about state regulations, using PDMPs effectively, finding and providing resources to others, and promoting a collective effort to combat opioid misuse, we can forge a path toward a healthier and safer future for all.
