Stem the Tide: Addressing the Opioid Epidemic

Every day, hospitals and health systems see the effects of the nation’s opioid epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 33,000 people died from an opioid-related overdose in 2015. That’s more than 90 people a day or approximately four people each hour. There are also financial implications due to increased health care and substance use disorder treatment costs, lost productivity and costs to the criminal justice system, estimated to be $78.5 billion in 2016. Across the U.S., hospitals and health systems are working to address this public health crisis. To help in their efforts, the American Hospital Association developed this toolkit to provide guidance and resources to hospitals and health systems on how to work with patients, clinicians and communities to stem the opioid epidemic. From working on the front lines of the emergency department to connecting patients with treatment and recovery resources in their communities, the nation’s hospitals and health systems are partnering with community organizations and providers to address the opioid epidemic on a daily basis.  Recognizing the multifaceted role of hospitals and health systems, the AHA developed this toolkit with input from a multidisciplinary team, including representatives from nursing, risk management, physician leadership, research and the AHA’s Section for Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Services and Committee on Clinical Leadership. In addition, we vetted the resources with subject matter experts, including psychiatrists specializing in addictions, chief clinical officers and other clinical experts, pain management professionals, and a broad array of stakeholders. This toolkit will be updated regularly to help the field move forward in addressing the opioid epidemic in communities.

The full toolkit can be viewed below.