Emphasizing Prevention-Based Outreach on International Overdose Awareness Day

Innovations & Initiatives, Transforming Communities

08/31/2020

International Overdose Awareness Day logo

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a global campaign recognized on Aug. 31 that raises awareness of the dangers of overdose and spreads the message that overdose death is preventable.

Centene's health plans offer grassroots perspectives on the fight against opioid addiction. In combination with our OpiEnd program, plans use local innovations to reduce complications that lead to drug overdose.

In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, following are a few examples of the many tailored approaches our plans are taking.

Centene's health plan in New Hampshire, NH Healthy Families, has implemented several initiatives to combat substance misuse and overdoses. Since 2018, the plan's workforce development program has led to more than 100 individuals receiving Certified Recovery Support Worker (CRSW) training. The plan also partners with the NH Harm Reduction Coalition to train employees and providers on overdose prevention and naloxone administration. Realizing that opioid use disorder is often tied to social determinants of health (SDOH), the plan’s Ready for My Recovery program is designed to address members' SDOH needs and incentivizes treatment engagement.

Centene's Missouri health plan, Home State Health, has focused on the effect of opioids on pregnant members. The plan has enhanced identification of potential risk factors and increased outreach in order to engage members in Care Management. 

Buckeye Health Plan, Centene's plan in Ohio, partners with Thrive Peer Support to assist members receiving care in emergency settings. Thrive links members to substance use disorder treatment resources upon discharge from emergency departments. Through peer support, Buckeye also extends the services of their Care Management team.

While many community engagement and outreach efforts have been put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Centene's plans continue supporting members and providers through telephone outreach, deliveries of personal protective equipment, and supplying additional resources to those in need.

Opioid overdose prevention relies on collaboration and communication among members, providers, health plans, and local organizations. Centene's OpiEnd program works across the prevention-to-treatment continuum through care management and member education, provider engagement, and community interventions, including youth involvement.

First-place entry from OpiEnd Youth Challenge, an important component of OpiEnd's community outreach.