A new report from the Michigan Opioid Partnership (MOP) highlights Michigan’s opioid epidemic and the variety of statewide, cross-sector efforts that are underway to curb the crisis.

The partnership—formed in 2018—is composed of several CMF members including the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation, The Jewish Fund and the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, along with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Superior Health Foundation.

According to the partnership’s report, there were 2,036 opioid-related deaths in Michigan in 2018. Racial disparities in treatment access continue to increase, with the overdose mortality rate for white residents decreasing by 5.1% compared to 2017, while the rates for African American residents increased by 19.9%.

The report also showcases the work being done across sectors to provide treatment, build awareness of the epidemic and decrease opioid use. These efforts include $3.8 million in grants to support opioid addiction treatment initiatives in four jails and five hospitals across the state, ensuring access to treatment options for those affected by opioid use and increasing technical assistance to jails, hospitals and other entities serving those needing treatment.

The MOP partnership has given over $280,000 since its inception, dividing its grantmaking into three initiatives:

• Hospital evaluation to provide qualitative and quantitative data on hospital activities surrounding addiction treatment.

• COVID-19 response to provide those in the justice system access to treatment through telehealth options.

• Upper Peninsula technical assistance to assist hospitals in the UP expand care and access to medications to treat opioid use disorder.

MOP plans to expand its grantmaking efforts to include harm reduction services, expand support for jail-based treatments and increase treatment and awareness efforts in the UP.

MOP highlights the need for continued partnership to effectively and equitably support Michiganders living with opioid use disorder.

“As a collective body, the Michigan Opioid Partnership continues to develop its structure, strategic framework and program investments,” the report states. “The process of addressing stigma and overcoming cultural barriers to program implementation will continue for some time to come, but the MOP has laid the groundwork for considerable success in increasing access to [medication for opioid use disorder] and addressing some of the greatest challenges in this crisis.”

This week MDHHS is hosting two virtual townhalls on the opioid epidemic. The events, focusing on Northern Lower Michigan, Flint and the Thumb Region, will allow residents to share how the epidemic has affected their communities, recommend programming to address the crisis and present ideas for both battling the stigma and changing the narratives surrounding opioid use.

“We encourage members of the community and stakeholders to participate in these virtual town halls,” Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for MDHHS said in a press release. “We need to hear how the opioid epidemic has impacted each region of the state so we can develop solutions that resonate with all Michiganders. Local input is critical to us being able to turn the tide on this public health crisis.”

Want more?

Learn more about the Michigan Opioid Partnership.

Read the full report.

Read more about the upcoming MDHHS opioid townhalls.