Actionable Advocacy: Combating the Opioid Epidemic with Evidence Based Public Health and Policy Solutions: Empowering Osteopathic Physicians to Lead Change

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No future session

Cost

$0.00

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No Credit Offered

This presentation will explore actionable strategies for osteopathic physicians to combat the opioid epidemic through legislative advocacy and public health initiatives. It will highlight evidence-based approaches to reducing opioid misuse, such as expanding access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), advocating for increased funding for mental health and addiction services, and supporting policies that promote the integration of non-opioid pain management techniques. Attendees will learn how to effectively engage with policymakers, utilize data to support advocacy efforts, and become champions for public health solutions that address the root causes of addiction while preserving patient access to necessary pain management.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

Outline the scope and impact of the opioid epidemic
Describe the legislative and policy landscape
Explain why further action is needed
Discuss evidence-based strategies
Discuss where to go from here in terms of legislative advocacy

Parul Chhatpar, DO
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Parul Chhatpar, DO, is a PGY-2 preventive medicine resident at UMass Chan with a diverse background and numerous professional affiliations. She has a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, a Master's in biomedical science, and a medical degree from William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Chhatpar is an active member of several medical organizations, including the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Bureau of Emerging Leaders Collaborative Cohort, the AOA Data Subgroup Committee, the American College of Preventive Medicine, and the Massachusetts Society of Addiction Medicine and is an AOA Osteopathic Advocacy Network Partner. Her areas of interest in preventive medicine include health disparities, addiction medicine, mental health, and public policy. Dr. Chhatpar serves on various committees and editorial boards, and she aims to find evidence-based strategies to improve access to care and promote health equity, particularly for underserved populations.