Harm reduction is an evidence-based public health strategy that prevents overdoses and the spread of infectious diseases. However, stigma, lack of awareness, and misconceptions have hindered the adoption of harm reduction tools like overdose reversal drugs, sterile syringes, test strips, and other low-barrier treatment services in health care settings such as emergency departments, inpatient units, and community clinics. Securing sustainable funding and fostering partnerships between health care systems and community organizations can make harm reduction more accessible, improve patient outcomes, and save lives.
This webinar, hosted by the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) and made possible by Vital Strategies, will explore how providers and administrators in health care settings serving Medicaid members can integrate harm reduction strategies into their practices, supported by creative and sustainable financing mechanisms. It will feature a panel discussion with harm reduction leaders experienced at the provider, state, and national levels. Health care professionals serving Medicaid members, including substance use disorder care providers and administrators, Medicaid policymakers, health plans, advocates, and community organization representatives are encouraged to attend.
Agenda
I. Welcome
Speaker: Meryl Schulman, MPH, Senior Program Officer, CHCS, and Daliah Heller, PhD, MPH, Vice President for Overdose Prevention Initiatives, Vital Strategies
M. Schulman and D. Heller will provide opening remarks.
II. Overview of Harm Reduction Opportunities in Medicaid
Speaker: Meryl Schulman, CHCS
M. Schulman will provide an overview of harm reduction and opportunities to integrate harm reduction into health care settings serving Medicaid beneficiaries.
III. Panel: Integrating Harm Reduction into Health Care Settings
Speakers:
- Kate Gleason-Bachman, MPH, RN, WCC, Senior Nurse Manager, Clinical and Quality Improvement, National Health Care for the Homeless Council;
- Samuel O. Nwaobi, MD, MPH, Addiction Medicine, Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown Family Medicine Center (Georgia); and
- Stuart Fisk, MSN, CRNP, Manager, Opioid Settlement Funds, Office of Behavioral Health, Allegheny County Department of Human Services (Pennsylvania)
Moderator: Kima Joy Taylor, MD, MPH, Managing Principal, Anka Consulting and Nonresident Fellow, Urban Institute
K. Taylor will moderate a panel discussion with K. Gleason-Bachman, S. Nwaobi, and S. Fisk exploring how to sustainably integrate harm reduction into health care settings and opportunities to support integration at the health plan, state, and federal levels.
IV. Audience Q&A
Moderator: Meryl Schulman, CHCS
V. Closing
Speaker: Meryl Schulman, CHCS
