The legal dispensing of opioids has gone down in McKean, Elk and Potter counties, while an increase has been noted in Cameron County.
The state Department of Health recently released information on the prescribing of opioids in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the second quarter of 2017.
Cameron County saw a 2.78 percent increase, while Elk County experienced a 2.92 percent decrease; Potter County, a 6.21 percent decrease; and McKean County, a 4.34 percent decrease, according to information from the state.
Angela Eckstrom, executive director of Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services Inc., said that the downward trend is positive, especially since over-prescribing is a key reason for the opioid epidemic.
“Increased awareness and education is critical to continue on this trend,” Eckstrom said, adding that overall she is not surprised opioid dispensing appears to be going down in McKean and Elk counties. She attributes that to more informed prescribers and better reporting.
Meanwhile, Cameron County is on a slight upswing with opioids being prescribed.
“Specific reasons for Cameron County having increased dispensing may have something to do with the Jan.1, 2017, requirement to report in a more timely fashion,” Eckstrom said. “I am not aware of their reporting procedures prior to that date.”
ADAS has been providing quarterly public presentations in Cameron, Elk and McKean counties to raise awareness. The next event –– with the theme of workplace drug use –– is scheduled for 5 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce office on Fourth Street in Emporium.
“There have been efforts over the last 12 months directed at the opioid epidemic,” McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Shaffer said. “Efforts have been made by law enforcement, treatment providers, politicians and medical personnel.”
Legislation became effective Jan. 2, 2017, that prohibits emergency department personnel from prescribing opioids in quantities that last more than seven days and from refilling opioid prescriptions except in rare circumstances, Shaffer said.
“Additionally, the doctor is required to indicate that a non-opioid alternative was not appropriate to treat the medical condition,” she said. “Effective Jan. 2, 2017, legislation made it easier for communities to collect unwanted medication through medication drop boxes or medication ‘pick up’ events by eliminating red tape for medications to be collected and destroyed.”
As of Jan. 1, 2017, legislation requires prescribers to look through the database in certain situations to see what medications a patient receive and/or which prescribers the patient sees, she said.
Bradford City Police Chief Chris Lucco said he would like to attribute the decline in the community’s rapid response to the issue.
“Bradford Regional Medical Center, the Bradford Area School District, the county district attorney’s office, drug and alcohol services and the police departments pulled together and tried to educate the community,” he said.
At Bradford Regional Medical Center, officials have processes in place relating to the prescribing of opioids, said hospital spokeswoman Janene Dunn. She said providers have been strict in prescribing controlled substances.
“Providers do drug testing and consult the state’s data bank to determine if a patient’s receiving opioids from other sources,” she said. “Patients are given alternate methods for pain relief including being referred to pain management.”
The doctors also took mandated state classes about opioid use and prescriptions, Dunn said.
Elk County District Attorney Shawn McMahon attributes a prescription decline to public awareness of the dangers, including risk of addiction to opioids; the medical profession appreciating and understanding the consequences of prescribing opioids as to both the patient and their medical license; and increased prosecution of medical professionals relating to prescribing opioids.
He also credited increased implementation of the prescription drug monitoring program and increased efforts by law enforcement, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services and other organizations to further the dialogue on the danger of opioid prescriptions.
“I have often said that an opioid prescription is as dangerous as a loaded gun with the safe off in a household,” McMahon said.
Cameron County District Attorney Jeanne Miglicio did not immediately returns emails from comment for this story.
