Resource Opioid Policy Fellows 2023

Friday, January 6 (times are listed in Mountain Time)  

4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Welcome and Introductions 

This session will welcome the 2023 class of Opioid Policy Fellows with an overview of the program and introductions of the Fellows.  

Speakers:

• Tahra Johnson, NCSL | PowerPoint | PDF file-12 pages  
• Tammy Hill, NCSL  
• Charlie Severance-Medaris, NCSL  

5:45– 7 p.m.

Dinner: Setting the Stage  

The Maternal and Child Health Fellows will join the Opioid Policy Fellows for networking and dinner. The program will feature alumni of NCSL’s Fellows programs discussing their successes and advice for the newest classes of Fellows.  

Moderator: Tahra Johnson, NCSL  

Panelists:  

• Rep. Joanne Osborne, Arizona  
• Rep. Dee Morikawa, Hawaii  
• Rep. Jennifer Carlson, Montana  

Saturday, January 7  

9 – 9:15 a.m.

Welcome  

Program staff will welcome Fellows to the second day of programming and the joint sessions as well as provide an overview of the agenda.  

9:15 – 10 a.m.

The State of the Opioid Epidemic in 2023  

Speakers will provide an overview of the opioid epidemic and discuss recent federal actions as well as funding available to states.  

Speaker: Charlie Severance-Medaris, NCSL | PowerPoint | PDF file-12 pages

10 – 11 a.m.   

State Strategies for Prevention and Intervention

This session will focus on strategies to prevent opioid misuse and overdose, including those that show evidence of effectiveness, as well as emerging strategies. Topics will include federal programs like Overdose Data to Action and state efforts to improve distribution of naloxone.  

Moderator: Karmen Hanson, NCSL  

Speakers:  

• Dr. Jamie Mells, lieutenant commander, US Public Health Service, Division of Overdose Prevention, CDC | PowerPoint | PDF file-36 pages  
• Dr. Traci Green, director, Opioid Policy Research Collaborative, Brandeis University | PowerPoint | PDF file-24 pages  

11:15 a.m. – Noon

Opioid Prescribing: An Update on CDC’s Guidance  

Many states have limited opioid prescriptions in light of evidence linking prescriptions to long-term use and addiction. This has raised concerns in many patient communities that some patients who could benefit from opioid therapies for pain have been neglected. This session will provide an update from the CDC on their prescribing guidelines and how states can use them to prevent addiction.  

Moderator: Charlie Severance-Medaris, NCSL  

Speaker: Dr. Chris Jones, acting director, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, CDC | PowerPoint | PDF file-18 pages

Noon – 2 p.m.

Joint Networking Lunch with Maternal and Child Health Fellows  

Fellows will discuss intersecting issues and network across programs over lunch. An optional fitness walk will also be offered during this time——follow prompts from NCSL staff to participate.  

2 – 3 p.m.   

Infectious Disease Consequences of the Opioid Crisis  

This session will provide an overview of the infectious disease consequences of the opioid crisis. Speakers will share state strategies to prevent and intervene to reduce transmission rates and prevent outbreaks.  

Moderator: Charlie Severance-Medaris, NCSL  

Speakers:  

• Michael Williams, policy as a public health intervention lead, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC  
• Kate Brookmeyer, senior advisor for harm reduction, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC | PowerPoint | PDF file-33 pages

3 – 3:30 p.m.

Action Planning and Networking

3:45 – 4:45 p.m.

Joint Session: Substance Exposure & Use During & After Pregnancy  

Through a population health perspective, Fellows will be introduced to the risks, trends and current possible policy recommendations to address substance exposure and use during pregnancy to both mom and baby.  

Speakers: Tammy Hill, NCSL and Karmen Hanson, NCSL 

4:45 – 5 p.m.

Wrap Up 

Sunday, January 8  

9 a.m.

Day Two Kickoff  

9 – 10:15 a.m.

Expanding Access to Treatment  

While yesterday focused on prevention of opioid misuse, overdose and infectious diseases, today Fellows will engage further down the continuum of care. Fellows will discuss innovative ideas to increase access to treatment for opioid use disorder.  

Moderator: Tammy Hill, NCSL  

Speakers: Rob Morrison, executive director, National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors | PowerPoint | PDF file-34 pages

10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

 Interactivity 

Moderators:  

• Tammy Hill, NCSL  
• Charlie Severance-Medaris, NCSL  

11:15 – 11:45 a.m. 

Action Planning, Evaluations and Feedback 

Moderators:  

• Tammy Hill, NCSL  
• Charlie Severance-Medaris, NCSL  

11:45 – Noon 

Wrap Up and Program Next Steps