MOA Hosts press conference on opioid addiction among pregnant women and infants

On Thursday, June 22, 2017, the Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) hosted a press conference on the subject of the opioid epidemic in Michigan.

In particular, the press conference focused on not eliminating already scarce resources for fixing this crisis and also care for it's most vulnerable victims: children.

"The opioid epidemic is tearing families apart with a heartbreaking impact on the most innocent victims, who are children," said Kris Nicholoff, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Osteopathic Association.

In efforts to curb this epidemic, the Michigan Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Quality Collaborative was established. Members include the MOA, Michigan Association of Health Plans, Michigan State Medical Society, Sparrow Hospitals, and more. The collaborative is backed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Infants exposed to opioids in the womb commonly develop neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). In Michigan, cases of NAS rose over 800 percent between 2004 and 2014. "The collaborative's top priority was establishing guidelines to ensure infants and their mothers receive continuous care to reduce withdrawal symptoms," said Dr. Padmani Karna, neonatologist at Sparrow Hospital and Professor at Michigan State University.

Coverage of the press event at the MOA included WILX-TV, WLNS-TV, WKAR public radio and WWJ.

To learn more about the MOA's role in combating opioid addiction and promoting treatment, visit the MOA website opioid page.

Links:
Press Release
MOA Opioid webpage

The State of Michigan office of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)  has announced a plan and funding to integrate current   Michigan Automated Prescription System (MAPS) programs into the electronic medical records and pharmacy dispensation system.

The old MAPS system had several drawbacks in accurately tracking prescription of opioids. The new system, provided by Appriss Health, is designed to better track prescription medications and eliminate over-prescribing. Providers can sign up for this program using a simple four-step process.

The four steps to take part in this initiative are as follows:

1. Apply (by completing the one page application)
2. Review and sign Terms and Conditions
3. Send the completed forms to [email protected]
4. State will then connect providers software vendor with Appriss Health

Please note that the state will need providers to use the terms and conditions as posted online.  It will make the process go much faster and it has already gone through legal review. The sooner the application is completed and submitted, the better.

Links:
MAPS Application (PDF download)
LARA website

The MOA is proud to be a sponsor for the WILX News broadcast of "Chase the Dragon," a documentary aimed to educate youths and parents about the dangers of opioid addiction.

Produced by the FBI and DEA, the documentary focuses on heart-wrenching first-person accounts of the damages opioids can do to individuals and their families.

Other partners in the effort include Andy's Angels, Adapt Pharma, Central Pharmacy, Dowding Industries and the Ingham County Health Department.

The 45 minute film aired on Saturday, June 24 at 7 p.m., but is available to be watched on the WILX website for free.

Links:
Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict Preview
Chasing the Dragon Full Show

Pilot Program for Early Primary Care receives funding

The Michigan Osteopathic Association's own Rep. Edward Canfield, DO, has earmarked one million dollars out of the state budget for his Early Primary Care pilot program.

"The problem that we have is doctors are retiring and not moving to urban or underserved areas," Rep. Canfield said, "The only places these generalists can go is rural or urban under served areas."

Access to healthcare is critical, especially in under served areas, and soon it may be even harder to get care. A 2011 survey of Michigan physicians indicated that 54% of practicing physicians intended to hang up the stethoscope within 10 years. By 2020, there is an expected gap of 4000-6000 physicians.

To address this inequity, the Early Primary Care program is designed to send second-year medical residents to under served rural and urban areas to essentially practice medicine. In return, these residents will earn debt relief as part payment for participating in the program. Participants, serving as General Practitioners, in the program will serve for two years while also earning a competitive physicians salary.

We applaud Rep.Canfield for his work in creating this program and look forward to the care it will provide to under served regions of Michigan.

Link: 2017 HOD slideshow

MOA Attends McLaren Macomb Luncheon

On Wednesday, June 28, two Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) staff members, Cyndi Earles and Janna Ruedisale, attended McLaren Macomb's "Medical Education Orientation Luncheon" at the McLaren Macomb Hospital in Mount Clemens, MI. The goal of the event was to build connections between local organizations and McLaren Macomb's new residents and fellows. The event hosted fourteen organizations and all of the new residents and fellows were invited to attend.

The event proved to be a great way to share important MOA and Macomb County Osteopathic Medical Association (MCOMA) information. Residents were given the opportunity to apply for both MOA and MCOMA membership.  The MOA was able to network with over twenty new residents who were all excited to get involved in the county and state associations.

Canadian Osteopathic Student Organization: Detroit Tigers vs. Toronto Blue Jays Outing

The Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine's Canadian Osteopathic Student Organization (COSO) invite you to a fundraising event on Saturday, July 15. 
The Detroit Tigers versus the Toronto Blue Jays at Comerica Park. Tickets are $30 (outfield) and $45 (infield near home plate).
 
Game details:
Teams: DETROIT Tigers vs TORONTO Blue Jays
Saturday, July 15th @ 6:10pm
Place: Comerica Park (Detroit)
Selling 2 types of tickets: $30/ticket or $45/ticket (infield)

For more information contact Jared Patel [email protected]

News and Resources

New MHA Report Reveals Positive Impact of Michigan Hospitals, Healthy Michigan Plan on State's Communities, Economy

Link: Beaumont Crisis Text and Chat article