DAY 3. Medical personnel speakers
Convenience Store Highs
The objective of this presentation is to explore the common substances of misuse that are widely available in Oklahoma through retail settings, and diverted prescriptions. It will provide an understanding of the history and background of these substances. The presentation will also address the effects of these substances on individuals and communities, such as health risks, dependency, and overdose. Additionally, it will discuss treatment options available for those affected by substance misuse, including behavioral therapies, medication-assisted treatment, and strategies for reducing illegal distribution. By examining these factors, the presentation aims to raise awareness of the substance misuse crisis in Oklahoma and the necessary efforts to address it.
Supporting Care
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Building Resilience
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Supporting Care • Building Resilience •
Dr. Jennifer Mathis
Medical Director Addiction Medicine Services, Northeastern Health System
Dr. Jennifer is an expert in developing systems of care for rural addiction medicine, with a particular focus on underserved Native American populations in Northeastern Oklahoma. She is one of the first physicians to bring advanced addiction treatment to the region, excelling in the diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of patients with addiction across the care continuum. Jennifer has lectured widely on topics such as addiction, adverse childhood experiences, inpatient alcohol withdrawal management, and mindfulness in healthcare to prevent burnout. She completed a Fellowship in Addiction Medicine at the University of Arizona and has extensive experience as a Hospitalist Physician, including serving as Chairman of the Medicine and Critical Care Committee at Northeastern Health System-Tahlequah. She has worked with multiple Native American tribes and is currently designing a comprehensive addiction treatment system for the area.
Dr. Jason j Ballew
Medical Director, Opioid Treatment Services, Northeastern Health System, Tahlequah Ok
Dr. Jason is the Medical Director for Opioid Treatment Services at Northeastern Health System in Tahlequah, OK, and a fellowship-trained Addiction Medicine physician. He is a PCSS-approved MAT waiver trainer and leads naloxone distribution for the Cherokee County Health Services Council. Jason has a background in Emergency Medicine, having served as the first Emergency Medicine Boarded Physician in Tahlequah and as Medical Director for the Emergency Department and EMS at Northeastern Health System and Westville, OK. He developed a multi-county care system for cardiovascular injuries and updated EMS protocols for rural Oklahoma. Jason is also an Oklahoma state-certified child abuse medical examiner and has lectured extensively on Addiction Medicine to both professionals and the public.