International Overdose Awareness Day: A Call to Action for Health Care Professionals

International Overdose Awareness Day, observed annually on August 31, serves as a reminder of the impact of drug overdose and a call to action for all health care professionals. This day is not just about raising awareness, but about promoting prevention, reducing stigma, and advocating for evidence-based interventions.

Health care professionals play a vital role in preventing and responding to drug overdose through early identification and risk assessment, patient education, and referral to treatment when necessary.

Early Identification and Risk Assessment

This includes recognizing patients at risk for substance use disorder and conducting thorough assessments to identify potential overdose risks. To help promote these assessments, Highmark Wholecare reimburses providers for substance use screenings through our SBIRT (Screenings, Brief Interventions, and Referrals to Treatment) program.

Patient Education

The following actions can help educate patients about drug overdose:

• Share accurate information about drug overdose, its risks, and prevention strategies.
• Address Stigma: Challenge negative stereotypes and promote compassion and understanding for individuals with substance use disorders.
• Naloxone Education and Distribution: Provide training and readily accessible naloxone (Narcan) to patients, families, and communities to reverse opioid overdoses.
• Harm Reduction Strategies: Provide education regarding harm reduction techniques and programs, such as the use of test strips and syringe service programs (where available and legal) to reduce the risk of overdose and HIV/AIDS transmission.
• Treatment and Recovery Support: Provide information on comprehensive treatment options for substance use disorders, including medications, counseling, and support groups.

Referral to Treatment

Additionally, Highmark Wholecare can provide your patients identified as having substance use disorders with additional care coordination. For more information on screenings and treatment, please refer to our SBIRT provider billing guide.

Community Resources to Support Harm Reduction: