International research center to work with Pierce County on combatting opioid addiction

An innovative partnership between Pierce County and the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) North America aims to assess two key programs targeting opioid use disorders. The research will focus on a mobile outreach initiative designed to provide medication-assisted treatment to individuals in rural and suburban areas, addressing accessibility issues in opioid crisis management. Additionally, the study will evaluate the impact of extending detox stays from the current three to five days to a proposed 10 to 12 days, recognizing the evolving needs of patients facing more potent opioids like fentanyl. With opioid overdoses being the leading cause of accidental death in Pierce County, this research is crucial as the county navigates the allocation of approximately $37 million earmarked for opioid prevention programs. Margo Burnison, the county's behavioral health manager, emphasizes the importance of connecting with researchers to validate effective strategies in combating addiction.

The mobile outreach program is expected to target areas with high opioid-related 911 calls, enhancing treatment engagement. As the county prepares to solicit bids for the mobile initiative, they anticipate launching the program in the summer. This comprehensive approach represents a significant step forward in addressing the opioid epidemic's impact on the community.