The HEALing Communities Study (HCS) partnered with the Suffolk County Medical Society and Suffolk Academy of Medicine to host a Spring lunch-and-learn webinar series for Suffolk County. These webinars will focus on special topics in opioid prescribing, pain management and addiction, and treating patients with opioid use disorders. CME credit is anticipated for each webinar, and there is a $10 registration fee.

Following each webinar, participants will have the opportunity to engage with the HEALing Communities Study – Brookhaven, and select from a menu of technical assistance options. Such options include coaching on the development of opioid prescribing policies and procedures, development of a medications for opioid use disorder program, and access to medication disposal bags and naloxone for patient distribution.

HCS is investigating how tools for preventing and treating opioid misuse and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) are most effective at the local level. The goal of the study is to reduce opioid-related overdose deaths by 40 percent over the course of three years. HCS is supported by funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration (SAMHSA). The HEALing Communities Study is taking place across 67 communities in four states (Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio), with the Town of Brookhaven being one of 16 regions in New York.

To reach this goal of 40 percent reduction, evidence-based practices are being implemented under the focus areas of opioid overdose education and Naloxone distribution (OEND), expanding access to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment, and safer opioid prescribing and dispensing. We look forward to your engagement in the webinar series, and helping to create a stronger network of local providers to reduce opioid overdose deaths and build a healthier community.