Substance-use disorders event creates community of support
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Substance-use disorders are a misunderstood and growing health challenge, with the National Institutes of Health estimating that nearly 92,000 people living in the United States died from drug-involved overdose in 2020 alone. That kind of sobering statistic is one reason the EVMS Master of Physician Assistant program is again engaging with community partners and area healthcare providers this month to collaborate, share resources and build stronger networks for people affected by these disorders and the healthcare professionals who serve them.
“Creating a Community of Support” is a networking event focused on building a community of resources around substance-use disorders. Providers and community partners who attend will have the opportunity to discuss challenges they face and how to better serve patients, families and the larger area. community. The event takes place Thursday, Sept. 1, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Waitzer Hall (Room 100). Registration is available online.
“As we acknowledge International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31 and begin National Recovery Month in September, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what we are doing to improve healthcare and education related to substance use disorders,” says Angela Conrad, MPA, PA-C, Associate Professor in the School of Health Professions. “Many lives are being lost in our communities, and I believe healthcare providers can be instrumental in having a positive impact for patients and families affected by addiction.
Physician assistant education, she adds, is a great place to start.
“This community networking event will provide future and current providers with the knowledge that is needed to better care for patients and families,” she says. “There is a severe lack of knowledge of the local resources available once a provider recognizes someone is in need of help.”
For Ms. Conrad, the issue of substance-use disorders is deeply personal. She watched her brother struggle with heroin and eventually succeed in recovering — and the experience is one she now hopes can help others, including providers.
“Our family’s experience with the healthcare system was lacking in many ways,” Ms. Conrad explains. “Even as a provider, it was a challenge finding available and appropriate resources. The lack of support and direction left us feeling frustrated and disappointed. Coming through the other side of this experience, my brother and I decided our goal would be to equip PAs with the knowledge and understanding of substance use disorders. No PA student will leave this institution without a proper understanding of how to compassionately care for and provide direction for those affected by addiction. This matters because providers will feel better prepared to address and understand how to handle and point patients in the direction that may eventually lead to their recovery. That ultimately improves patient care. We need to be better at supporting our patients and their families.”
In addition, the MPA program has created a robust lineup of EVMS and guest speakers on the topic as part of its Senior Seminar ahead of the networking event.
During “Patient-Centered Approach to Identification and Management of Substance Use Disorders,” experts in the field of addiction medicine will provide a four-day course on substance use disorders. Students and clinicians will be provided with tools to identify patients at risk and properly utilize motivational interviewing to enhance patient interactions. Additionally, this course will provide information about treatment options and local resources available to patients, as well as appropriate prescribing and management of pain.
“The goal of this entire event is to equip future and currently practicing providers with knowledge of community resources,” Ms. Conrad says. “It is an opportunity to build a community of resources and to better equip providers to serve this patient population. This will strengthen our community with improved partnerships.”