Join us on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 2:00 pm (EDT) to learn about proven communication strategies that can be used to develop persuasive messages to effectively reach the Veteran population.
Why tailor opioid overdose messaging for Veterans?
Many Veterans suffer from chronic pain related to service-connected injuries. In addition, over 1.1 million Veterans have been diagnosed with a mental health conditions which might make them more likely to engage in polysubstance use in an effort to manage their illness. Despite significant decreases in prescription opioid misuse among Veterans in recent years, nearly 2.1 million veterans struggle with an opioid use disorder (OUD). Health communication can be used to help Veterans safely manage their pain and avoid the risk of OUD or overdose. To be effective messaging should be tailored to the unique characteristics of Veterans and delivered through channels trusted by this population.
Information gained from this webinar will give you tools to:
- Identify cultural, social, and economic characteristics of prescription opioid misuse and overdose as it relates to Veterans
- Recognize disparities, gaps, and challenges of reaching Veterans with prescription opioid prevention messaging
- Discuss communication strategies to reach Veterans
Presenters
Elizabeth M. Oliva, PhD, National Opioid Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Program Coordinator Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System
Friedhelm Sandbrink, MD, National Program Director for Pain Management, Veterans Affairs Washington D.C. Medical Center
