Higher Buprenorphine Doses May Help SUD Providers Treat the ‘Different Beast’ That Is Fentanyl

Deaths from fentanyl-involved drug overdoses soared by 279% from 2016 to 2021, according to the CDC. Buprenorphine has been found to reduce mortality rates of opioid use disorder by 50%, but patients addicted to fentanyl could be missing out on more effective dosages because of outdated FDA guidelines. Current FDA guidelines for buprenorphine were based on people who used heroin, prior to the emergence of fentanyl in the illicit drug supply. Higher doses of the drug may be more effective at keeping fentanyl-addicted patients in treatment, according to a new study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Of patients prescribed the FDA recommended buprenorphine dose of 16mg – 59% stopped following their treatment plan within 180 days. For those prescribed the high-end of the FDA’s range, 53% discontinued treatment within 180 days. The still-high rate of discontinuation even among patients receiving higher doses means that a variety of approaches will likely be needed to support patients.

Source: www.bhbusiness.com

Space Is Filling Up - Register Today for the Ohio Council's 2023 Annual Conference

We are excited to announce that registrations for the 2023 Annual Conference are coming in higher than anticipated and we are beyond the halfway mark for registrations. This year’s in-person conference will be held October 10-11, 2023, at the Hilton Columbus at Easton.

DON'T WAIT - REGISTER TODAY!

Please visit our Conference Website to view the tentative agenda and for additional information.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Corinne Cowan at [email protected].

 Thanks to Our Annual Conference Sponsors! 

The Ohio Council's 2023 Annual Conference is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors!

Ohio In-Demand Job Survey

The Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation has opened the 2023 Ohio In-Demand Job Survey.  This survey allows Ohio businesses to provide feedback on the state’s Top Jobs List, which guides workforce training priorities and federal funding.

The survey helps the state collect feedback based on what Ohio businesses need, creating a portal for Ohioans to learn what jobs will be important now and in the future, so they can better plan their pathway to a successful career. The survey is open to any registered business in Ohio, allowing businesses of all sizes and in all areas of the state to share their needs.

Ohio is required to maintain an up-to-date In-Demand Jobs List, part of Ohio’s Top Jobs List, that directs the spending of 85 percent of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) training funds. Although not required, Ohio has previously chosen to survey employers to ensure that state programs meet business needs.

As a vital business that delivers behavioral health services in your community, I strongly encourage each organization to participate in this In-Demand Job survey.  This is one more opportunity for us to elevate the need for all types of practitioners and jobs in our industry.  Please take time to review and complete this survey. 

To take the survey, visit TopJobs.Ohio.gov/Survey

Sports Gambling in Ohio Surpasses $4 Billion of Bets in 2023

Ohioans have now placed more than $4 billion worth of bets on sports gambling in 2023, though July was the slowest month for sports betting so far this year. Combined Ohioans bet just under $332 million in July, down from $363 million in June, according to compiled data from the Ohio Casino Control and Ohio Lottery commissions. The casino commission released its July revenue numbers last week. Separately, the lottery commission released its report covering gaming kiosks in mid-August. After payout winnings and voided wagers, the companies took in a combined $37.2 million in revenue in July, up from $32.6 million in June, despite the drop-in betting activity. Betting tends to slow down in the summers and picks up in the fall, when both the NFL and NBA seasons start again. If you or a loved one has questions and needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or the National Council on Program Gambling Helpline (NCPG) at 1-800-522-4700 or visit 1800gambler.net for more information. 21+ and present in Ohio. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.

(Source: Cleveland.com)