Opioid Crisis: It's a Community Fight with Dr. Christine Cauffield (Lutheran Services of Florida Health Systems)

 The opioid epidemic is front page news everywhere you turn. Carrie Chitsey Wells has guest Dr. Christine Cauffield, CEO of Lutheran Services of Florida Health Systems. She's been instrumental in fighting the opioid crisis in Florida, through grants, peer training, addiction centers and more. Dr. Cauffield talks about the pilot program with the Florida Blue Foundation to provide peer to peer counseling and Narcan in hospitals, ER's and doctor's offices. Hear about the impacts, progress, and results to date. 

Heroin OD’s have quadrupled since 2002, opioid OD’s increased 30% in less than 10 months last year in 52 areas in 45 states.  With over 40% of all US opioid, OD’s coming from prescription opioids.  80% of heroin users started with prescription opioids.  Drug use increased by 63%, 3.8M people said they have tried heroin.  CDC estimates 2.6-5M people have an opioid disorder but less than 10% seek treatmentCrime and burglary have increased dramatically in almost every county across the US as a direct result.  Trump’s Council of Economic Affairs said in Nov the epidemic cost the economy $504 BILLION in 2015 alone. THAT’S 1 YEAR. 

 Dr. Cauffield talks about why she's passionate about the cause. Carrie shares how it's hit her family personally and share's her story. 

 To  learn more on creative and innovative ways to use video behavioral to help the fight more effectively on the Opioid Crisis. 

 To  learn more on Lutheran Health Systems of Florida. 

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