Opioid Use Disorder And The Impact On Our Communities

The word “opioid” has become a household word. What does this actually mean and why should anyone care?

Opioids have been used for centuries for their pain relieving properties as well as their pleasurable effects. But more recently, Opioid Use Disorder has affected many Americans and has led to the death of thousands.

Dr. Katherine Austman, MD is an Addiction Medicine and Family Medicine Physician with Family Health Care of Gibson City, Prairie Family Medicine & Obstetrics, GAHHS. She specializes in substance use disorder, family practice and maternity care. Dr. Austman became interested in Medical Addiction Treatment due to the growing number of patients that she was seeing with a co-occurring substance use disorder, which was particularly concerning in her care for expectant mothers.

In this presentation, Dr Austman will explore Opioid Use Disorder and its effect on our communities. She will also lead a discussion around safe and compassionate care for persons with OUD.

The Illinois Area Health Education Centers Network Program is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, Grant # U77HP26847 and administered by the National Center for Rural Health Professions, at the University Of Illinois College Of Medicine Rockford.

Registration Link: Meeting Registration – Zoom

IL AHEC Scholars receive 1 hour of Experiential Learning Credit!

This program is intended for health
profession students interested in expanding their knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward Opioid Use Disorder.