Wyoming Rx Abuse Stakeholders
News
CDC: Overdose Deaths From Counterfeit Drugs on the Rise
November 17, 2023
A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that from mid-2019 to the end of 2021overdose deaths involving counterfeit drugs increased from 2% to 4.7%. Counterfeit drugs contain a variety of unknown substances, and often with harmful levels of fentanyl.
Telehealth Supports Retention in Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
October 30, 2023
A study of Medicaid data in Kentucky and Ohio from 2019-2020 showed evidence that staring buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder through telehealth was associated with an increased likelihood of staying in treatment longer compared to starting treatment in a non-telehealth setting.
Events
January 29, 2024
SAMHSA's 20th Prevention Day! Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Washington, D.C.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) will celebrate it's 20th Prevention Day at the largest annual national gathering dedicated to advancing the prevention of substance use. For those interested in presenting at this event, the deadline for abstract submissions is November 6, 2023 by 11:50 pm ET.​
March 18-24, 2024
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is an annual health observance that inspires dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth. This annual observance provides an opportunity to bring together scientists, students, educators, healthcare providers, and community partners to help advance the science and address youth drug and alcohol use in communities and nationwide.
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.
The "They Didn't Know" campaign provides education on the many things teens and young adults should know about prescription drugs.
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.
Fact #1
On October 26, 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared the opioid crisis a national emergency.
Fact #2
A person who takes a controlled prescription medication that was not prescribed for them by a medical professional can potentially be fined or put in jail.
Fact #3
Non-medical use of stimulants for cognitive enhancement poses potential health risks, including addiction, cardiovascular events, and psychosis.
They Didn't Know Education Campaign
The "They Didn't Know" campaign provides education on the many things teens and young adults should know about prescription drugs. Be in the know, and find out more about prescription and opioid abuse and misuse by following "They Didn't Know" at https://theydidntknowwyo.org/
