Blue Cross to limit opioid scripts to 30-day supply

Jay Greene's latest article in Crain's Detroit Business discusses the recent move by Blue Cross to limit opioid prescriptions to a 30-day supply.   Here are few excerpts from the article that explain the decision:

• In Michigan, 1,365 people died of opioid overdoses in 2016, compared to 884 in 2015 and 426 in 2012, meaning Michigan's overdose rate has tripled since 2012, said the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
• Doctors, pharmaceutical companies and health insurers have been criticized over the past two years for their roles in enabling the opioid addiction crisis.
• Physicians have taken steps to limit prescriptions after surgeries and ensure patients have true pain and are not doctor shopping. Many providers and first-responders have also been trained to use naloxone opioid overdose kits.

Read the entire article

Gifts Were Plentiful at Example's Christmas Party

Example's Christmas event featured a great speaker, great games, great gifts, great pizza and great students giving and receiving encouragement to each other.

Mr. Steve Fox, Macomb County assistant prosecuting attorney, spoke to the students and explained the legal and criminal ramifications of using and possessing drugs and alcohol. He also applauded the students for being a part of Example and their willingness to make a difference.  Below are some excerpts from his presentation.

Lindsey and Jordan won the Most Creative and the Ugliest Christmas sweater awards. The raucous white elephant gift exchange included a potpourri of gifts: a 2001 country Christmas cd, Twilight and popcorn to boost the viewing experience, Justin Bieber wrapping paper, and an actual white elephant!

Thank you to everyone who attended.