Interview with Rita Hewitt on the evolution of the opioid crisis, and current efforts in harm reduction and overdose prevention

Broadcast on KSQD Santa Cruz on 7-05-2024:

• Guest introduction and Background
  • Introduction of Rita Hewitt, regional director for Central Coast overdose prevention, and her professional background.
  • Overview of Rita’s notable achievements and roles in various healthcare and harm reduction initiatives.
  • Rita’s journey from a licensed pharmacy technician to her current role in overdose prevention.
  • Impact of the prescription opioid epidemic on her career choices and motivation to address addiction and overdose issues.
  • Stories from Rita’s early career, including encounters with prescription opioid misuse and its consequences.
• Challenges in Opioid Prescription and Addiction
  • Discussion on the challenges faced by healthcare providers in managing pain and the consequences of opioid prescriptions.
  • Examples of misuse and the impact of addiction on individuals and the community.
• Historical Context of Opioid Epidemic
  • Examination of the history of opioid use and misuse, from pharmaceutical origins to current trends.
  • The role of pharmaceutical companies and legislation in shaping the opioid crisis.
• Pendulum Swing in Opioid Prescribing Practices
  • Analysis of the shifting attitudes towards opioid prescribing over the decades.
  • The impact of educational mandates and legislation on prescribing practices and patient care.
• Current Strategies for Harm Reduction
  • Overview of harm reduction initiatives and resources available in the community.
  • Discussion on the effectiveness of buprenorphine and other medications in treating opioid addiction.
• Emerging Drug Threats
  • Introduction of new substances like Xylazine and their impact on the community.
  • Challenges in addressing these new threats and the limitations of existing overdose reversal medications.
• Testing and Safety Measures
  • Importance of fentanyl test strips and other tools in preventing overdoses.
  • Availability and distribution of test strips and Narcan within the community.
• Legislation and Policy Initiatives
  • Recent laws and mandates aimed at improving opioid prescription practices and overdose prevention.
  • Discussion on potential future initiatives to enhance harm reduction and public safety.
• Pendulum Swing in Opioid Prescribing Practices
  • Continued discussion on the history of opioid prescribing and the shifts in attitudes over the decades.
  • Impact of legislation and educational mandates on opioid prescribing practices and patient care.
• Challenges and Personal Experiences in Addiction
  • Rita shares personal experiences and anecdotes about friends and community members affected by opioid addiction.
  • Dr. Dawn shares a story about a patient with a severe infection due to opioid misuse and the challenges in managing their pain and treatment.
• Current Strategies for Harm Reduction
  • Overview of harm reduction strategies and resources available in the community.
  • Discussion on the effectiveness and benefits of buprenorphine and other medications in treating opioid addiction.
• Emerging Drug Threats
  • Introduction of new substances like Xylazine and their impact on the community.
  • Challenges in addressing these new threats and the limitations of existing overdose reversal medications like Narcan.
• Statistics and Trends in Overdose Fatalities
  • Examination of the current statistics and trends in overdose fatalities in the local community and nationally.
  • Discussion on the increase in fentanyl-related fatalities and the ongoing challenges in addressing the crisis.
• Legislation and Policy Initiatives
  • Recent laws and mandates aimed at improving opioid prescription practices and overdose prevention.
  • Discussion on potential future initiatives to enhance harm reduction and public safety.
• Community Initiatives and Collaboration
  • Overview of local initiatives and collaborations aimed at addressing the opioid crisis and improving public health outcomes.
  • Importance of community engagement and support in harm reduction efforts.
• Future Directions and Goals
  • Rita’s vision and goals for future harm reduction initiatives and policies.
  • Discussion on the potential impact of upcoming legislation and community efforts on the opioid crisis.

Resources

• Central Coast Overdose Prevention - Regional organization focusing on overdose prevention.
• Santa Cruz County Health Services - Provides health services and resources related to addiction and overdose prevention.
• Safe Rx Santa Cruz - Initiative to manage safe prescription practices.
• Syringe Services Program - Provides syringe exchange and harm reduction services.
• Monterey County Health Department - Local health department providing resources and services for addiction and overdose prevention.
• San Benito County Health and Human Services Opioid Task Force - Provides health and human services, including addiction and overdose prevention resources.
• Narcan (Naloxone) Information - Information on the overdose reversal medication Narcan.
• FDA - Buprenorphine Information - Information on the medication used to treat opioid addiction.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) - National resource for drug abuse and addiction research.