and whatever time they need it . Our elected officials , regulators , health systems , school districts , universities , law enforcement and faith-based organizations are all very much aware of the dangers of SUDs and now routinely work together to address new or different challenges .”
HIGHMARK ’ S PARTNERSHIP APPROACH
Around 2015 , Highmark progressively tightened its management of opiates , stepped up its efforts working with state and local authorities to identify unscrupulous prescribers and helped the authorities shut down pill mills . The company investigated suspicious opiate patterns and acted to not cover large opiate prescriptions from these mills . Eventually , law enforcement put pill mills out of business .
“ Through its partnership with Axial Healthcare , Highmark ’ s Opioid Risk Mitigation Program monitors prescribing patterns and reaches out to prescribers , when necessary , to provide education and develop mutually agreed upon action plans for safe and effective pain management and opioid prescribing ,” says Karlin .
To help educate the next generation about the dangers of substance abuse , Highmark created an educational video targeted at middle and high school-aged children . The 20-minute video features real stories from Highmark employees directly affected by SUDs and how FBI Pittsburgh ’ s West Virginia Resident Agencies are involved with community education and prevention .
“ As one of our employees , Sherri Davis , said to me , ‘ Jim , if the video can impact just one student in a positive way , then we have to do it ,’” Fawcett says . “ Meeting with some faculty members who have used the video , I believe we have provided them a resource that presents a business community voice that supplements what they were already sharing . I ’ m hoping the video helps assist our teachers ’ critical role in educating our young students .”
It ’ s the community organization partnerships that Highmark West Virginia is most proud of , Fawcett says . In 2022 , the Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health sought proposals to fund health , community and social service organizations that specifically address SUD programs and initiatives . Due to the overwhelming response , the total amount to be awarded was increased from $ 500,000 to $ 600,000 .
The funded grants focus on initiating effective SUD health programs and services or expanding existing services that offer viable approaches to prevention , treatment , harm reduction and support for long-term recovery .
“ The tremendous response we received illustrates the true need that exists in our state and remains a struggle for many in our communities ,” Fawcett says . “ Focusing on improving SUD outcomes supports Highmark Health ’ s multipronged opioid strategy to combat addiction , and we are thrilled to lend our support to these eight organizations that are accomplishing life-changing work for West Virginians experiencing the effects of SUD .”
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According to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association . An independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association . All references to “ Highmark ” in this communication are references to the company that is providing the coverage .