Partners in Prevention (PIP), a nonprofit dedicated to preventing substance-use disorders and related health challenges in Hudson County, has received a grant to provide prevention education and outreach to doctors, dentists and general practitioners on the dangers associated with prescribing opioids for pain management, as well as education regarding best practices, safe alternatives and use of the Prescription Management System.

These efforts may include direct training, virtual presentations, took-kit development and dissemination and targeted outreach campaigns to local healthcare providers. They will be available free of charge to any Hudson County prescriber or general practitioner.

According to PIP, between January and August 2020, there were 116,363 opioid prescriptions dispensed in Hudson County, with 114 deaths suspected as being opioid related and 569 naloxone administrations. While these numbers represent a decrease from the same period in 2019, New Jersey as a whole experienced a 17 percent increase during this same period.

According to the American Medical Association, more than 40 states have recorded increases in opioid deaths since the pandemic began.

Any medical professional or healthcare organization in Hudson County interested in receiving free resources, a training presentation and the Hudson County Prescribers Toolkit should contact Anthony Menafro at [email protected]. Learn more at PIPNJ.org or Facebook.com/PIPofHudson/.