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Resources for Care Providers

From law enforcement and EMT professionals to nurses, doctors, social workers, and everyone on the front lines working to prevent opioid deaths in Kane County, we want to support you with tools and resources to help. Working together, we can ensure equitable access to essential care without stigma.

Tips for Speaking with Patients

There are things professionals can do to better support the needs of their patients. Here are some tips for having real talks with patients.

Avoid using language that may cause people to react defensively.
Use clear explanations—avoid technical terms.
Ask open-ended questions.
Listen actively and express empathy.

Expanding Access to Naloxone

Get naloxone free and training from the Kane County Health Department
Consider providing a 2-dose box to each patient who receives an opioid prescription
Leave naloxone with patients, friends, or family when responding to overdose calls, or any encounter with someone using opioids
Learn more about The Importance of Naloxone: A Life-Saving Medicine for Opioid Overdoses

Dr. Steve Holtsford on Buprenorphine

First Responders

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services: Naloxone Information for First Responders

EMS Bridge: Supports emergency providers with funding, tools, and training to help them better serve people who have been traditionally excluded from the healthcare system
SAMHSA: Guidance for Law Enforcement and First Responders Administering Naloxone
SAMHSA: Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit - Five Essential Steps for First Responders

Harm Reduction Professionals

CDC: Syringe Service Program Best Practices
National Harm Reduction Coalition: Guide to Developing and Managing Overdose Prevention and Take Home Naloxone Projects
National Harm Reduction Technical Assistance Center

Nurses, Pharmacists, and Physicians

CDC Opioid Prescribing Resources

CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain
College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists: Naloxone Access - A Practical Guideline for Pharmacists

National Association of School Nurses: Naloxone Education for School Nurses Toolkit
National Clinician Consultation Center: Expert clinical advice for healthcare providers on substance use evaluation and management
SAMHSA: Emergency Department-Based Substance Use Response: A Toolkit for Developing, Planning, and Implementing a Peer Recovery Coach-Led Program

Social Workers

Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network: Practical Strategies for Social Workers to Combat the Opioid Epidemic
The Impact of Substance Use Disorders on Families and Children: From Theory to Practice

More resources for Care Providers

CDC Naloxone Training with Patient Cases and CE Credits

Illinois Xylazine Best Practices for Health Care Providers

SAMHSA: Evidence-Based Resources About Opioid Overdose