Wyoming Rx Abuse Stakeholders
News
KFF Health News - 'Fourth Wave' of Opioid Epidemic Propelled by Fentanyl and Meth
March 11, 2024
According to a Millennium Health Report, a so-called fourth wave of the opioid epidemic is characterized by the use of dangerous substances together - usually fentanyl with something else like methamphetamine.
New ADA Guideline for Dental Pain Management
February 28, 2024
A new guideline developed by the American Dental Association (ADA) along with the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine was recently announced. The guideline states that NSAIDs alone, or in combination with acetaminophen, are effective as a first-line treatment for short-term dental pain in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older.
Events
April 27, 2024
DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day allows the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting. To find collection sites near you, resources to help you dispose of unneeded medications in your home, seek treatment for a substance use disorder and learn more about the drug overdose epidemic in the United States click on the “MORE” link below.
May 12-18, 2024
National Prevention Week
National Prevention Week is a public education platform showcasing the work of communities and organizations that are preventing substance use and misuse and promoting positive mental health. The SAMHSA website provides information on ways to get involved, promotional materials, an events planning tool kit, and a way to submit your ideas and plans for events and activities in your community.​
Facts
DEA collected more than 599,897 pounds of unwanted or unneeded medications during the October 28, 2023 National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Pharmaceutical fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, approved for treating severe pain, typically advanced cancer pain. It is 50-100 times more potent than morphine. Most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose, and death in the U.S. are linked to illegally made fentanyl.
Governor Gordan's office hosts an educational webinar series addressing issues important to Wyoming's behavioral health system.
The Wyoming Department of Health and the Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center's Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Toolkit is a resource for stakeholders engaged in prevention efforts.
Get Involved
In 2008, prescription drug overdose deaths in Wyoming were at an unprecedented and dramatic all-time high. The alarming number of deaths were impacting people of all walks of life, in every corner of our state. Unlike many other “street drugs” like methamphetamine & cocaine, prescription drug abuse was destroying and taking lives. Law enforcement, health officials, and many others were trying to understand the cause and how best to combat this emerging crisis. In response, a handful of stakeholders decided it was time to bring together the best expertise possible to help address this significant public health and safety issue. Since 2008, the Wyoming Rx Abuse Stakeholders (RAS) members from across Wyoming have gathered to discuss the origin & scope of the problem, prevention measures and solutions, education strategies, and tools and resources to curb this serious problem. Today, with the assistance of many people throughout the State, the RAS task force diligently continues their effort to protect the people of Wyoming from the real dangers of prescription medication abuse and misuse.
If you would like information about the RAS or are interested in joining the task force, please click the link below to contact us.