Frequently Asked Concerns/ Questions:

Why should I, or my system, do this? It seems like a lot of work.

Deaths related to drug overdose continue to be among the leading causes of death for this state. It can start to feel like nothing the healthcare system is doing matters. Nothing could be further from the truth.

• The patient perspective: watch an 11 minute video of how encounters in the Emergency Department (ED) can change a person’s life.
• Watch Beyond Stigma, a 5 minute animated video about the impact of stigma on a person’s health care. 

How do I go about doing this? I need more information!

The ORP Playbook includes step-by-step instructions and information from other sites which have been successful with implementation of the ORP.

I (or my colleagues) don’t have enough information about treatment of opioids, especially from the ED:

Information and resources for providers:

• California Bridge Buprenorphine Emergency Department Quick Start Guide.  
• Here is a 1 hour FREE webinar, (part of the Lunch and Learn Series from the UW, shared with permission), no CME available: ED & Inpatient Management of Opioid Withdrawal by Robert Redwood, MD.
• Here is a 2 hour FREE WISAM Course with FREE CME until March 27, 2026: Buprenorphine from the Emergency Department: Basics and Beyond, featuring Drs. Robert Redwood, Ezra Lyon and Ritu Bhatnagar (meets part of the 8-hour MATE requirements for renewing your DEA license).
• The California Bridge is a great website with excellent, evidence-based resources including Treatment Protocols related to the treatment of OUD.
• Resources for ED providers also available from ACEP.

I want more information about other related topics!

WISAM has FREE online trainings with free CME available.  Courses include:  Quick Start to Treatment of Opioid Use Disorders: Buprenorphine Focus (register) and other online courses

Check out these 1 hour FREE webinars with related content (no CME available): Some are part of the Lunch and Learn Series from the UW-Madison. Shared with permission here.

• Buyer Beware: Common Herbals and Adulterants Associated with Substance Use Disorder Robert Redwood: (starts at 25 minutes of recording) (link)
• Overdose Response Update: CPR Logistics in the Fentanyl Era (link)
• Integrating Addiction Medicine into your Practice (link) 
• FREE Anti-stigma training course from University of Texas-Austin Medical School (link) 

What have other systems’ experiences been?

Learn more about ThedaCare’s  experience and UnityPoint-Health-Meriter’s experience.

I have enough information. I’m ready to prescribe buprenorphine from the ED.  But who is going to prescribe the next prescription? Who will continue the care I start from the ED?

A Peer Recovery Coach can help connect the person to their next appointment.

Visit our online provider directory created by WISAM has with outpatient providers who are ready to get people in as soon as possible.

I don’t know how to talk to people who are at risk of overdose. I am afraid I will say the wrong thing.

You are not alone. Safer Communities in Dane County created this video with a sample script about how to talk to someone at risk of an overdose about using these kits.  Watch their online video. 

Is information presented at the 2025 WISAM conference available?

Related sessions from the 2025 Conference were recorded and will be available on the website shortly.

I am already part of the HOPE Team and my system has implemented the ORP. I need to order more kits or file a quarterly report.

Thanks for being part of the solution!