A recent article in the USA Today quoted WACEP leader Bobby Redwood, MD, MPH, FACEP, and highlighted over a year of work being done by Wisconsin ACEP, the Wisconsin Hospital Association, and other organizations in regards to initiating Medication Assisted Treatment (Buprenorphine), in the Emergency Department.

Redwood points out a few of the efforts to date: 1) WACEP surveyed the EM workforce in Wisconsin on MAT; 2) WACEP developed an infographic on MAT & the ED; 3) WACEP and other organizations scheduled and promoted X-waiver training opportunities in Wisconsin; and 4) WHA developed a webinar to encourage MAT cooperation between primary care and emergency physicians.

WACEP's next steps are to work with key stakeholders to secure funding and develop regional streamlined care processes to make sure patients get the coordinated care they need.

"While WACEP will continue its efforts in 2019," says Redwood, "I am really hopeful that we will start to stem the tide of morbidity and mortality from opioid overdoses in Wisconsin. Thanks to all who contributed to this important work."