The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently published a report on the treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), highlighting that while the benefits of treatment are proven to substantially reduce mortality, it remains significantly underutilized. In 2022, approximately 4% of U.S. adults needed OUD treatment, yet only 25% of those individuals received the recommended treatment. Additionally, disparities exist among Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino American adults. It is crucial for clinicians and others treating individuals with OUD to offer this evidence-based treatment. This issue is even more urgent given the increasing prevalence of illegally manufactured fentanyl contaminating the drug supply, which elevates the risk of both non-fatal and fatal overdoses
1. For the full report, visit
Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: Population Estimates — United States, 2022 | MMWR (cdc.gov).
To build capacity in treating OUD, WHA partners to offer evidence-based training and education to build confidence and support networks among healthcare professionals, enabling them to effectively offer this treatment option to individuals struggling with opioid and other substance use disorders. The training also fulfills the MATE Act requirements and includes monthly office hours for clinical support. The program's content is continually updated and tailored to reflect both national and Wisconsin-specific trends, ensuring it effectively supports those working with substance use disorder patients in rural Wisconsin. Participation is free of charge.
For information on how you can participate, click the links below or simply click the meeting links provided at the scheduled times.
These offerings are designed for physicians, advanced healthcare professionals, pharmacists and anyone on a team that offers ongoing care and support for people struggling with substance use disorders in Wisconsin and beyond.
Monthly Virtual Lunch and Learn Series - Every Third Monday of the Month
Join Webex Meeting | 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
- 8/19/2024 – Resources for patients, families, and providers: identifying appropriate treatment.
Substance Use Disorder Office Hours - Every Third Tuesday of the Month
Join Zoom Meeting | 12 – 1 p.m.
Save the Date for a Fall Substance Use Disorders Management Boot Camp - September 19-20, 2024, in beautiful Door County, Wis. More details to come!
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) – Self Paced Modules
This self-paced education program, developed by Dr. Bobby Redwood, meets the MATE Act requirements. It includes six 30-minute modules covering:
- Opioid Prescribing Best Practices
- Alternatives to Opioids (ALTO)
- Harm Reduction
- Reducing Stigma and Unconscious Bias
- MOUD in the ED
- MOUD for Primary Care Clinicians
RHeSUS is a joint initiative by the Wisconsin Hospital Association and the University of Wisconsin–Madison's Program for Research, Outreach, Therapeutics, and Education in the Addictions (PROTEA)
Funding is provided by the UW School of Medicine and Public Health from the Wisconsin Partnership Program (WPP).
- Dowell D, Brown S, Gyawali S, et al. Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: Population Estimates – United States, 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024;73:567–574. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7325a1