Overdose Prevention Fund

WHO ARE WE? We are a group of emergency physicians and medical toxicologists who treat patients at all phases of opioid addiction. For years, we have been caring for patients, educating providers, and performing cutting edge research on the prevention of overdose. Now, we are looking to make greater strides with your support. WHAT IS THE OVERDOSE PREVENTION FUND? Launched in August 2016, the Overdose Prevention Fund at the University of Massachusetts Medical School powers our academic effort in research, education, and community-based interventions to combat the overdose epidemic. Recognizing the need for a charitable organization to serve the needs of addicted patients, our group of physician-scientists created this fund which accelerates and broadens our mission of eradicating overdose. WHAT DOES THE OVERDOSE PREVENTION FUND DO? Cutting edge research on overdose and prevention Rigorous drug testing after overdose to identify new opioids and guide appropriate drug testing Understanding the doses of naloxone required to reverse an overdose Using telemedicine-based interventions to reach patients who do not have access to addiction medicine providers in the Emergency Department Using biosensors to better understanding craving, tolerance, and relapse Partnership with schools, parent groups and community organizations for outreach on opioid safety, addiction prevention, and treatment In-person naloxone training Talking to adolescents about drug use, overdose, and drugged driving Creation of summer research assistantships for medical students focusing on overdose treatment and prevention Fostering the next generation of addiction medicine researchers and providers Support for faculty educators and researchers who focus on overdose treatment and prevention through competitive seed grant funding for projects focused on overdose prevention and addiction treatment Creating essential collaborations between researches and clinicians to advance overdose care