BCBS launches $10M program to fight opioid epidemic in Arizona

PHOENIX — The fight against opioids in Arizona continues.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona announced Tuesday that it launched a $10 million program in an effort to address the misuse of opioids and other substances and reduce overdose-related deaths in Arizona.

The program, called Mobilize AZ, will “support prevention, treatment, and recovery programs” over a three-year period.

“The opioid epidemic is one of the most significant public health and safety issues the state has faced in generations,” Pam Kehaly, president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, said in a statement.

“Our vision is to bring together medical professionals, insurers, government, and the community to turn the tide against substance misuse, while showing compassion for those struggling with addiction and protecting those suffering from chronic pain,” she added.

“Now is our time to act, and together we can heal and protect Arizona.”

Officials in Arizona have been working to fight the opioid epidemic since 2017, when Gov. Doug Ducey declared a health emergency after data showed there was a growing number of opioid overdose deaths in the state.

There have been more than 8,500 suspected opioid overdoses and more than 1,500 suspected opioid deaths in Arizona over the last year.

According to a press release, Mobilize AZ will also include grant program that will award a minimum of $1 million each year for three years to community organizations involved in education, treatment, and recovery.

Those who want to apply for the grants can now do so. They will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

“Arizona is facing the opioid epidemic head-on by holding bad actors accountable and providing the tools and resources medical professionals, law enforcement and treatment providers need in order to save lives,” Ducey said in a press release.

The Arizona Opioid Epidemic Act is now in effect. With partners like @BCBSAZ by our side, our efforts are only gaining strength. pic.twitter.com/cfpTWFOcU6

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) August 14, 2018

“While we’ve seen positive signs of progress, our work is not done,” he added.

“Blue Cross Blue Shield has long been a champion of public health in our state and we’re grateful for their investment and continued dedication to winning this fight against opioids. With partners like this, our efforts will continue to strengthen.”

Ducey signed a bill into law earlier this year that was designed to crack down on opioid use and overdose deaths in the state.

The law bars doctors from prescribing more than an initial five-day supply of pain medication in most cases, boosts pain clinic regulation and adds $10 million to help uninsured and underinsured people get addiction treatment.

It requires electronic prescriptions for narcotics as early as next year.

The law places limits on the maximum dose most chronic pain patients can be prescribed, and requires a consultation with a pain specialist for new high dosage prescriptions.

The law also includes a “good Samaritan” provision that bars prosecution of someone who seeks help for an overdose victim if they’re discovered with drugs as a result. Similarly, an overdose victim can’t be prosecuted for drug possession when they call for help.

And a recent report from the state’s Department of Health Service suggested that Arizona is making progress against its opioid crisis.

The number of post-overdose referrals to behavioral health or substance abuse treatment services increased from 45 percent in June 2017 to 73 percent in May 2018, according to Dr. Cara Christ.

In addition, Christ said the number of opioid prescriptions filled declined 40 percent between June 2017 and June 2018. The number of opioid pills dispensed decreased 43 percent between June 2017 and June 2018.

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