(Liberty, NY 3:10pm) - Sullivan County Public Health Services is pleased to be able to co-sponsor an important free training with the NYS Health Department for clinical providers (physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants). The training, Buprenorphine Waiver Training for Clinical Providers is scheduled for this Saturday, May 6th, 2017 from 8:00AM to 1:00PM. Breakfast will be available beginning at 7:30AM.
Buprenorphine is used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help people reduce or quit their use of heroin or other opiates, such as pain relievers like morphine. Unlike methadone treatment, which must be performed in a highly structured clinic, buprenorphine is the first medication to treat opioid dependency that is permitted to be prescribed or dispensed in physician offices, significantly increasing treatment access. Under the Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 (DATA 2000), qualified U.S. physicians can offer buprenorphine for opioid dependency in various settings, including in an office, community hospital, health department, or correctional facility. (SAMHSA.gov).
“Expanding the availability of the number of providers certified to prescribe buprenorphine is an important aspect of improving access to treatment alternatives to address the opioid crisis in Sullivan County,” said Nancy McGraw, Public Health Director. We are pleased to be able to bring this training to Sullivan County.
Buprenorphine has unique pharmacological properties that help:
| • | Lower the potential for misuse |
| • | Diminish the effects of physical dependency to opioids, such as withdrawal symptoms and cravings |
| • | Increase safety in cases of overdose |
The Location for the training will be:
Catskills Regional Medical Center, 68 Harris-Bushville Rd, 2nd Floor Board Room, Harris, NY 12742 Please note: CME Credits will be made available.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Stephen Crowe at the NYS Department of Health stephen.crowe@health.ny.gov , 212-417-4558, or Sullivan County Public Health Services at (845) 292-5910 x 2179. See attached flyer for details.
