Opioid epidemic

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates Hires Samantha Wyckoff, MD as Director of Addiction Services - Solidifying Focus on a Healthier Philadelphia

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 7, 2024

PHILADELPHIA, March 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a major move to support Philadelphians toward a healthier future, Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates— one of the city's largest outpatient mental health practices— has announced the hire of Samantha Wyckoff, MD as their Director of Addiction Services.

Key Points: 
  • PHILADELPHIA, March 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a major move to support Philadelphians toward a healthier future, Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates— one of the city's largest outpatient mental health practices— has announced the hire of Samantha Wyckoff, MD as their Director of Addiction Services.
  • "I am joining Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates at a critical time for our communities in Philadelphia," said Wyckoff.
  • Dr. Chris Pagnani, MD, Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates' Founder and Medical Director, added, "Major efforts are being made by Mayor Parker's administration to tackle the opioid epidemic in Philadelphia.
  • Dr. Wyckoff offers substance use disorder services at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associate's Rittenhouse Square office in Philadelphia and via telepsychiatry to all of Pennsylvania.

Bicycle Health Publishes First-Ever Peer-Reviewed Research of Telehealth Treatment for Poppy Seed Tea Misuse

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 9, 2024

BOSTON, Jan. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bicycle Health, the nation’s largest virtual provider of integrated medical and behavioral healthcare for opioid use disorder (OUD), published first-of-its-kind research in the Journal of Addictive Diseases detailing the effectiveness of telehealth treatment options for patients struggling with poppy seed tea (PST) use disorder.

Key Points: 
  • PST is a legally obtainable source of opiates made from the seeds of the opium poppy.
  • Some people prepare the tea specifically to elevate the opiate burden so that the consumable tea can be used recreationally.
  • PST has also emerged as a substitution for medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment when people cannot access prescription medications like buprenorphine .
  • The Bicycle Health study analyzed 18 patients treated for primary PST use disorder via Bicycle Health’s telehealth-based treatment model.

US Nuclear Advances Fight Against Opioid Crisis With Breakthrough Fentanyl Detection Technology

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 15, 2023

In a groundbreaking move to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic, US Nuclear Corp (OTC-QB: UCLE) now offers the world’s first automatic, on-the-spot fentanyl detectors.

Key Points: 
  • In a groundbreaking move to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic, US Nuclear Corp (OTC-QB: UCLE) now offers the world’s first automatic, on-the-spot fentanyl detectors.
  • Fentanyl is now endemic in America and USN recommends fighting back by deploying and using these detectors just as widely as metal detectors.
  • Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.
  • US Nuclear's breakthrough technology can automatically identify and measure trace amounts of fentanyl with high precision and sensitivity.

Stericycle's Third Annual Healthcare Workplace Safety Trend Report Reveals Significant Challenges for Healthcare Professionals and Consumers

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, December 5, 2023

BANNOCKBURN, Ill., Dec. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Stericycle, Inc. (Nasdaq: SRCL), a leading provider of medical waste management and secure information destruction solutions, today released its third annual Healthcare Workplace Safety Trend Report revealing how providers and administrators in the U.S. view health and safety in their organizations and its impact on peers, patients and surrounding communities. New this year, the study also surveyed consumers about their concerns with safety when seeking care. The report aims to provide valuable insights on the challenges the industry and patients face today and how to best help healthcare organizations understand their safety profiles, improve workplace safety standards, create a quality care environment and reduce impacts on the environment.

Key Points: 
  • New this year, the study also surveyed consumers about their concerns with safety when seeking care.
  • The report aims to provide valuable insights on the challenges the industry and patients face today and how to best help healthcare organizations understand their safety profiles, improve workplace safety standards, create a quality care environment and reduce impacts on the environment.
  • This year's key findings found 9 in 10 of the Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) and consumers surveyed agree that medical waste management is important in delivering the best possible patient care.
  • For more information about Stericycle and to access the Healthcare Workplace Safety Trend Report and multimedia assets, visit Stericycle's website .

BioXcel Therapeutics Announces Update on NIDA-funded Trial of BXCL501 (sublingual dexmedetomidine) for Potential Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

Retrieved on: 
Monday, November 6, 2023

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Nov. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: BTAI), a biopharmaceutical company utilizing artificial intelligence to develop transformative medicines in neuroscience, today announced an update on the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)-funded trial evaluating BXCL501 (sublingual dexmedetomidine) as a potential treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD).

Key Points: 
  • NIDA has requested Columbia University, the trial coordinator, to add a fourth site to target trial completion in 2024.
  • After this time, BioXcel Therapeutics plans to seek FDA feedback on potential registrational paths.
  • “With BXCL501, we are excited about the potential to treat patients who are physically dependent on illicit and prescription opioids.
  • In addition to OUD as an indication, BioXcel Therapeutics has been awarded key opportunities for the development of BXCL501 in post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder.

TAKING ON THE OPIOID OVERDOSE EPIDEMIC IN NEW JERSEY

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, August 3, 2023

HACKENSACK, N.J., Aug. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- HIKMA Pharmaceuticals, Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) and non-profit Dispensary of Hope are teaming up to pilot a Take-Home Naloxone Program to stem the tide of opioid overdose fatalities by delivering Kloxxado® (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray 8 mg free of charge to patients at high risk of an opioid overdose. Kloxxado® contains naloxone, an opioid antagonist that can save the lives of patients who have overdosed with an opioid.1 All three organizations share a vision of providing affordable medication access, with a particular focus on communities and individuals who are most vulnerable.

Key Points: 
  • Hackensack Meridian Health, HIKMA Pharmaceuticals and Dispensary of Hope join forces to save lives from opioid overdose.
  • Opioid overdoses are preventable and tragic.
  • 2022, "Responding to the opioid crisis in North America and beyond: recommendations of the Stanford–Lancet Commission," The Lancet,  399:10324, p555-604
    3 Opioid Basics: Understanding the Opioid Epidemic.
  • CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/fentanyl/index.html , Accessed 2022 1006
    6 Abdelal et al., 2022, "Real-world study of multiple naloxone administration for opioid overdose reversal among bystanders," Harm Reduction Journal, 19:49.

New Jersey and National Experts Focus on Public Health Barriers and Solutions to Opioid Crisis

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, July 26, 2023

The webinar, “Public Health Barriers in Addressing the Opioid Epidemic,” will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 27.

Key Points: 
  • The webinar, “Public Health Barriers in Addressing the Opioid Epidemic,” will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 27.
  • The speakers will examine addressing the opioid crisis as a public health crisis.
  • While this increased focus on public health has produced positive results, there are still many barriers within the system that limit prevention, treatment and recovery, which experts will discuss.
  • Since its inception the Partnership has garnered 217 advertising and public relations awards from national, regional and statewide media organizations.

Physician Dr. Jay K Joshi releases a spellbinding book about his personal experiences through the opioid epidemic

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 16, 2023

CHICAGO, May 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Jay K Joshi, physician, author, entrepreneur, has released his debut book titled "Burden of Pain."

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO, May 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Jay K Joshi, physician, author, entrepreneur, has released his debut book titled "Burden of Pain."
  • The book presents a unique perspective on the opioid epidemic, arguably the most pressing health issues of our time.
  • Dr. John Whyte, Chief Medical Officer of WebMD, called it a "must-read for anyone affected by the opioid epidemic."
  • The book combines his personal reflections about the opioid crisis with insights gleaned through his experiences.

HMP Global unveils MATE Act virtual training program for DEA license holders who prescribe controlled substances

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, May 3, 2023

MALVERN, Pa., May 3, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- HMP Global, the leading healthcare events and education company, today unveiled a new virtual course aligned with the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act requirements mandating that practitioners holding licenses from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) complete eight hours of coursework on Substance Use Disorders (SUD).

Key Points: 
  • MALVERN, Pa., May 3, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- HMP Global, the leading healthcare events and education company, today unveiled a new virtual course aligned with the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act requirements mandating that practitioners holding licenses from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) complete eight hours of coursework on Substance Use Disorders (SUD).
  • The MATE Act passed by Congress as part of the Omnibus Bill of 2022 and was signed into law earlier this year.
  • Effective June 27, all DEA-registered practitioners will be required to check a box on their online DEA registration form affirming that they have completed a one-time, eight-hour training program on opioid or other substance use disorders.
  • "Prescribers and patients mutually benefit from more education on addiction," said Doug Edwards, Senior Vice President, HMP Education.

HCA Healthcare Named as One of the 2023 World’s Most Ethical Companies®

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 13, 2023

HCA Healthcare is one of only four honorees in the Healthcare Providers category this year.

Key Points: 
  • HCA Healthcare is one of only four honorees in the Healthcare Providers category this year.
  • “It is an honor to again be named as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies,” said Sam Hazen, chief executive officer of HCA Healthcare.
  • In addition, HCA Healthcare provided uncompensated care in 2022 at an estimated cost of approximately $3.5 billion.
  • HCA Healthcare is committed to providing equitable access to high-quality care for patients and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace for its colleagues.