Taking Action Against Opioid Abuse

Tue, Mar 27, 2018

Grant allows the Holland Physician Hospital Organization to help fight opioid abuse along the Lakeshore

Holland, MI – Opioid addiction is one of America’s leading health crises. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, opioids (including prescription opioids, fentanyl and heroin) killed more than 42,000 people in 2016, which is more than any year on record. 

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation is awarding $1,085,160 to support research and community programs that identify and address critical issues affecting the health of Michigan residents, including opioid abuse and addiction.

The Ottawa County Prescription Drug and Opiate Task Force received $27,900 to support opioid abuse education. As part of the task force, the Holland Physician Hospital Organization (PHO) is working to reduce the quantity of opiates prescribed in our provider network, establish a standard of care for the community by implementing Evidence Based Guidelines for prescribing opiate medications and assure access to Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT).

“We are appreciative of the collaboration that is occurring across our community to address this national health crisis,” said Paul Clippinger, Executive Director of Holland PHO.

Nine organizations across the state were granted a total of $570,400 to fight opioid abuse as part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation’s Taking Action on Opioid and Prescription Drug Abuse in Michigan by Supporting Community Responses initiative.

To learn more about safe pain management solutions, visit Lakeshore Health Partners.

The Holland Physician Hospital Organization is a partnership between numerous lakeshore community physicians and Holland Hospital who are dedicated to supporting the highest quality patient care delivery to our community.