Innovative financing and regional partnerships key to advancing integrated behavioral health in Maryland

MACS Program Director, Kelly Coble, spoke with State of Reform about behavioral health integration and how innovative programs like BHIPP and MACS help increase access to care in Maryland.

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Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Buprenorphine and Extended-Release Naltrexone Filled Prescriptions During the COVID-19 Pandemic

"This cross-sectional study found that the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with immediate decreases in buprenorphine prescriptions by members of racial and ethnic minority groups but not white individuals. These findings suggest that members of racial and ethnic minority groups had larger losses in buprenorphine access during the pandemic across payer types."

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Trends in Concurrent Opioid and Benzodiazepine Prescriptions in the United States, 2016 to 2019

A recent study revealed national decreases in the coprescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines. While concurrent prescriptions declined 41% from 2016 to 2019, and despite known risks, coprescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines is still common. The findings indicate a need for clinicians to adhere to prescribing best practices, patient education, and utilizing the PDMP.

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Improving Peripartum Care Engagement Among Black Women at Risk for Low Prenatal Care Attendance: A Secondary Analysis of Predictors of Attendance and Sample Representativeness

This study provides benchmark data on predictors of peripartum care and sample representativeness in Randomized Control Trials based on data targeting maternal and infant health disparities. One predictor identified was substance use. "To improve PNC engagement and ultimately birth outcomes, it is essential to provide compassionate, person-centered care that approaches perinatal drug and alcohol use as the treatable medical condition it is."

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Availability of buprenorphine/naloxone films and naloxone nasal spray in community pharmacies in 11 U.S. states

Based on data from 4,984 pharmacies, both buprenorphine/naloxone films and naloxone sprays were available in less than half of pharmacies. Increasing access to these life saving medications is critical in preventing overdose deaths.

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