Actionable Steps for Black Balloon Day

March 6 is Black Balloon Day, a somber occasion to honor those lost to overdose. This day underscores the critical need for comprehensive, compassionate care for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) and problematic substance use. It's about recognizing the human cost of this epidemic and strengthening our collective response.

The Provider’s Role in Combatting the Overdose Crisis

Integrating routine SUD screening into your practice workflow offers the crucial benefit of early identification and intervention for SUD. Consider using the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) approach to identify and address risky substance use. To learn more about integrating SBIRT into your practice, please refer to the Highmark Wholecare SBIRT for Substance Use Disorders: Provider Reference and Resource Guide.

Expanding Access to Care and Effective Treatments

Access to care for SUD remains a significant barrier. Access to SUD care can be expanded by:

1. Identifying co-location opportunities: Explore placing SUD services within your practice or partnering with nearby community organizations.
2. Leveraging telehealth: Broaden your patient reach and reduce geographical and transportation barriers by providing telehealth visits.
3. Establishing referral pathways: Develop strong referral relationships with local SUD treatment providers. This approach improves accessibility, reduces stigma, and encourages earlier engagement in treatment.

Evidence-based treatments significantly improve outcomes. Each patient deserves an individualized and holistic approach, considering factors such as their preferred treatment setting (inpatient vs. outpatient), their social determinants of health, and coordinating care with other providers when appropriate. For patients hesitant about traditional treatment, your relationship offers an opportunity to initiate engagement.

In your practice, consider prescribing Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) like buprenorphine and naltrexone and medications for Alcohol Use Disorder (MAUD) like acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone. Buprenorphine, prescribable by providers with Schedule III authority, reduces the risk of opioid use recurrence, overdose, and death.

Your participation can make a tangible difference in the lives of your patients. This Black Balloon Day, commit to at least one of the following actions:

• Integrate SUD screening into your practice workflow.
• Learn more about prescribing MOUD and MAUD.
• Explore opportunities to expand access to SUD care within your community.

Helpful Resources:

• SAHMSA National Treatment Locator and Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• Highmark Wholecare Addiction Resource Center
• Never Use Alone Hotline: 877-696-1996
• SafeSpot Hotline: 1-800-972-0590