Crystal Run Healthcare Takes Crucial Steps to Educate Practice on Opiate Epidemic in Orange County

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Middletown, N.Y. – August 24th, 2016 – On Wednesday, August 17th, Crystal Run Healthcare
Providers and the Orange County Department of Health met to discuss the county’s current opiate epidemic. The session, held during Crystal Run Healthcare’s quarterly provider meeting, featured Crystal Run Healthcare Neurologist, Andrew Faskowitz, DO, Crystal Run Healthcare Psychiatrist, Nicholas Batson, MD and Orange County Department of Health Acting Commissioner, Darcie Miller, LCSW-R.

Dr. Andrew Faskowitz presented the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines on the use of opiate prescriptions, with specific examples of how prescribers could apply these guidelines in their practice. The discussion highlighted recommendations and differences between management of acute pain and chronic pain.

Dr. Nicholas Batson presented on various ways that Crystal Run is helping patients with opiate dependence. Treatments include medication assisted therapy, as well as weaning protocol developed in collaboration with Crystal Run’s Pharmacist, Theresa Dolson.

Darcie Miller, LCSW-R, discussed the local impact of the opiate epidemic and the nature of addiction and effectiveness of various treatments. She also provided information about local resources available to patients who are struggling with addiction.

“I was pleased to be asked to participate as a presenter at Crystal Run Healthcare’s quarterly meeting educating their providers about the impact of opioids and expanding their role as part of the solution to combat this epidemic. Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office reported 74 deaths that were opioid related in 2015. One loss is too many. It is imperative that we continue to work together to educate about addiction, expand prevention efforts, and promote recovery as the realistic outcome that it represents, said Darcie Miller, LCSW-R, Orange County Department of Health Acting Commissioner.

“The Hudson Valley region is not immune to the opioid epidemic. If our region wants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients struggling with Opioid use disorders we have to approach these individuals from a compassionate person-centered approach. At Crystal Run Healthcare, this means educating all of our providers on methods to screen, intervene, and refer for substance treatment,” said Nicholas Batson, MD, Crystal Run Healthcare.