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States with net-zero carbon emissions targets
On the Road with CSG West: Colorado
CSG West would like to give a big shout-out to Colorado for the warm welcome received by our team this month as we visited with leaders, members, and staff at the Capitol. A special thank you to Representative Cathy Kipp and Senator Cleave Simpson for providing floor introductions and hosting us as we connected with new and tenured members to spread the word about how CSG supports them.
Shared training opportunities for Colorado’s newer members
With 31 new legislators in Colorado this year, we were excited to share the opportunity to apply for the 2023 Western Legislative Academy (WLA), which will take place in Colorado Springs, December 13-15. The WLA is the West’s premier leadership training open to legislators within their first four years of service and has been hosted in the Centennial State since its inception in 2000.
Promoted water stewardship programming
As with all our Western states, water is a major priority in Colorado, and we made sure to inform members of CSG West’s Colorado River Forum, which will be held in Wyoming this coming Fall. This collaborative event is of particular importance as policymakers consider the following:
Water governance in the west: Unpacking compacts, agreements, and water rights, and exploring the history and impact of state to state, cross border, and tribal relations along the river basin.
Diverse perspectives, priorities, and partnerships on water: Gathering federal, state, tribal, and non-governmental organizations working in the watersheds across agricultural, energy, public lands, and conservation and restoration sectors.
Innovations in water, agriculture, & energy policies: Spotlighting energy and environmental challenges and working to strengthen and support energy security and resilience, food safety and security, and environmental health across the west.
Met with leaders and discussed engagement with CSG West and its policy committees
CSG West staff connected with legislative leadership on appointments to our eight policy committees, and how that work culminates and is leveraged throughout the West, specifically at the Annual Meeting.
Connected with friends at the Western Governors Association
CSG West believes in the incredible value of strong partnerships, and the team was thrilled to meet with our partners at the Western Governors’ Association while in Denver to discuss areas of potential collaboration. Thanks to Executive Director Jack Waldorf, Policy Director Troy Timmons, and their staff for the Mile-High hospitality!
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On the Road with CSG West: Idaho
The visit included a hosted lunch for alumni and eligible members of this year’s WLA, as well as a morning with coffee and donuts aimed at connecting with legislators and legislative staff.
Throughout our visit, many positive comments and remembrances from last year’s 75th CSG West Annual Meeting that convened in Boise were shared and reconnecting with all of the people who worked so hard to make that meeting a success. The CSG West staff were grateful and appreciative of the warm welcome and hospitality extended during our visit to the Gem State.
Idaho Representative Ned Burns, House Minority Caucus Chair, with Jackie Tinetti, CSG West Policy Analyst
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On the Road with CSG West: Alaska
Left to right: Jackie Tinetti, Speaker of the House Cathy Tilton, and Edgar Ruiz
CSG West staff – Edgar Ruiz and Jackie Tinetti – were in Juneau February 14-15, where they engaged with policymakers about CSG West programs, events, and services. They received a warm welcome from members and legislative staff.
The capitol was busy with committee hearings and floor sessions, and in between CSG West staff met with Senate and House leadership, many of the newest members, the staff of the Legislative Services Agency, and a brief hallway chat with Governor Mike Dunleavy. A key objective of the visit was learning about members’ legislative priorities, their desire to work effectively individually and as a body on behalf of Alaskans, and how CSG West can provide support.
Left to right: Edgar Ruiz, Senate President Gary Stevens, and Jackie Tinetti
The highlight of our time at the capitol was the WLA Alumni lunch, where colleagues across chambers and parties come together to reminisce about their WLA experience and encourage those eligible to apply. We value the strong support of WLA Alumni in promoting this unique and powerful professional development opportunity to their new colleagues.
A focus of discussion was the Western Legislative Academy, and the unique professional development opportunities offered by CSG West through Westrain and the Henry Toll Fellowship program.
Another popular topic was the 76th CSG West Annual Meeting that will convene in Universal City, California August 1-4. We thank our Liaisons – Senate President Gary Stevens, House Speaker Cathy Tilton, and Representative Craig Johnson for their time and hospitality. We appreciate the floor introductions by Senator Cathy Giessel and Representative Craig Johnson, respectively.
Thanks to all for your engagement and support – we wish you much success in the legislative session.
Left to right: Jackie Tinetti, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, and Edgar Ruiz
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On the Road with CSG West: Alaska
CSG West staff – Edgar Ruiz and Jackie Tinetti – were in Juneau February 14-15, where they engaged with policymakers about CSG West programs, events, and services. They received a warm welcome from members and legislative staff.
The capitol was busy with committee hearings and floor sessions, and in between CSG West staff met with Senate and House leadership, many of the newest members, the staff of the Legislative Services Agency, and a brief hallway chat with Governor Mike Dunleavy. A key objective of the visit was learning about members’ legislative priorities, their desire to work effectively individually and as a body on behalf of Alaskans, and how CSG West can provide support.
The highlight of our time at the capitol was the WLA Alumni lunch, where colleagues across chambers and parties come together to reminisce about their WLA experience and encourage those eligible to apply. We value the strong support of WLA Alumni in promoting this unique and powerful professional development opportunity to their new colleagues.
A focus of discussion was the Western Legislative Academy, and the unique professional development opportunities offered by CSG West through Westrain and the Henry Toll Fellowship program.
Another popular topic was the 76th CSG West Annual Meeting that will convene in Universal City, California August 1-4. We thank our Liaisons – Senate President Gary Stevens, House Speaker Cathy Tilton, and Representative Craig Johnson for their time and hospitality. We appreciate the floor introductions by Senator Cathy Giessel and Representative Craig Johnson, respectively.
Thanks to all for your engagement and support – we wish you much success in the legislative session.
The post On the Road with CSG West: Alaska appeared first on CSG West.
On the Road with CSG West: Colorado
CSG West would like to give a big shout-out to Colorado for the warm welcome received by our team this month as we visited with leaders, members, and staff at the Capitol. A special thank you to Representative Cathy Kipp and Senator Cleave Simpson for providing floor introductions and hosting us as we connected with new and tenured members to spread the word about how CSG supports them.
Shared training opportunities for Colorado’s newer members
With 31 new legislators in Colorado this year, we were excited to share the opportunity to apply for the 2023 Western Legislative Academy (WLA), which will take place in Colorado Springs, December 13-15. The WLA is the West’s premier leadership training open to legislators within their first four years of service and has been hosted in the Centennial State since its inception in 2000.
Promoted water stewardship programming
As with all our Western states, water is a major priority in Colorado, and we made sure to inform members of CSG West’s Colorado River Forum, which will be held in Wyoming this coming Fall. This collaborative event is of particular importance as policymakers consider the following:
- Water governance in the west: Unpacking compacts, agreements, and water rights, and exploring the history and impact of state to state, cross border, and tribal relations along the river basin.
- Diverse perspectives, priorities, and partnerships on water: Gathering federal, state, tribal, and non-governmental organizations working in the watersheds across agricultural, energy, public lands, and conservation and restoration sectors.
- Innovations in water, agriculture, & energy policies: Spotlighting energy and environmental challenges and working to strengthen and support energy security and resilience, food safety and security, and environmental health across the west.
Met with leaders and discussed engagement with CSG West and its policy committees
CSG West staff connected with legislative leadership on appointments to our eight policy committees, and how that work culminates and is leveraged throughout the West, specifically at the Annual Meeting.
Connected with friends at the Western Governors Association
CSG West believes in the incredible value of strong partnerships, and the team was thrilled to meet with our partners at the Western Governors’ Association while in Denver to discuss areas of potential collaboration. Thanks to Executive Director Jack Waldorf, Policy Director Troy Timmons, and their staff for the Mile-High hospitality!
The post On the Road with CSG West: Colorado appeared first on CSG West.
Southern Pulse Newsletter, March 2023
GREETINGS MEMBERS,
Now mid-way through March, a few of our member states are approaching the final days and hours of the legislative session. For those of you nearing sine die, we hope this month brings good luck both within and beyond your chambers. As for our remaining March state visit roster, we just wrapped up North Carolina (March 14-15) and next week we move on to South Carolina (March 28-30). We still have TN, LA, and AL in our sights for April!
Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) planning continues to steam ahead, and we are rapidly finalizing our conference schedule. Guest and Youth programming has seen overwhelming interest, and we have made the decision to expand our offsite guest activities! As hundreds of our members continue to register for SLC, please continue to check back on our website to enroll in Guest and Youth programs as they expand. Visit our registration website here for deadlines, sessions, and more details.
Finally, don’t forget to apply for the State Transformation in Action Recognition (STAR) Award. The winner will be honored at the closing state dinner at SLC in gorgeous Charleston, SC!
Check back frequently on our website for updates on all things CSG South- you don’t want to miss a beat.
Click here to read Southern Pulse- March 2023
The post Southern Pulse Newsletter, March 2023 appeared first on CSG South.
Southern Pulse Newsletter, March 2023
GREETINGS MEMBERS,
Now mid-way through March, a few of our member states are approaching the final days and hours of the legislative session. For those of you nearing sine die, we hope this month brings good luck both within and beyond your chambers. As for our remaining March state visit roster, we just wrapped up North Carolina (March 14-15) and next week we move on to South Carolina (March 28-30). We still have TN, LA, and AL in our sights for April!
Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) planning continues to steam ahead, and we are rapidly finalizing our conference schedule. Guest and Youth programming has seen overwhelming interest, and we have made the decision to expand our offsite guest activities! As hundreds of our members continue to register for SLC, please continue to check back on our website to enroll in Guest and Youth programs as they expand. Visit our registration website here for deadlines, sessions, and more details.
Finally, don’t forget to apply for the State Transformation in Action Recognition (STAR) Award. The winner will be honored at the closing state dinner at SLC in gorgeous Charleston, SC!
Check back frequently on our website for updates on all things CSG South- you don’t want to miss a beat.
Click here to read Southern Pulse- March 2023
The post Southern Pulse Newsletter, March 2023 appeared first on CSG South.
Measuring Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Improves Care, Saves Lives
By Ishara Nanayakkara
In October, The Pew Charitable Trusts released an analysis of the core measures states can use to address and mitigate the opioid epidemic. The information included in this article originates from this analysis.
This article is the first in a three-part series. The second article can be viewed here.
Overview
The U.S. continues to experience an increasing number of deaths due to the opioid epidemic. There are significant gaps between the number of people that could use medication to treat opioid use disorder and those receiving medication. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that only 22% of people with an opioid use disorder received medication-assisted treatment for opioid misuse. The most effective drug treatments for opioid use disorder are methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone.
- Methadone reduces craving and withdrawal symptoms and blunts the effects of opioids.
- Buprenorphine, like Methadone, diminishes cravings and withdrawal symptoms and increases safety in cases of overdose.
- Naltrexone blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids and suppresses and reduces cravings.
To close this gap, states need a set of core metrics to track relevant data and provide a comprehensive picture of care for opioid use disorder. Many states have dashboards tracking overdose deaths, but only a few states track a full range of metrics including rate of diagnosis, FDA-approved medication distribution and number of treatment providers.
To address this issue, The Pew Charitable Trusts convened a panel of experts in September 2021 to identify treatment goals using the “cascade of care” method, which identifies key measurements in the life cycle of a chronic disease.
Pew’s expert panel applied the “cascade of care” framework and defined the stages as:
- Opioid use disorder identification/diagnosis: Having a formal diagnosis in a medical record or claim.
- Initiation of treatment: Receiving treatment services.
- Retention in opioid use disorder treatment: Staying engaged in treatment for at least six months.
- Recovery: Reaching a state defined by SAMHSA as “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.”
The panel consisted of state and federal officials, treatment providers, experts in health measurement and analytics, advocates, and individuals with lived experiences. The panel agreed on several core measures for tracking opioid use disorder based on the stages of the cascade of care:
- Opioid use disorder identification/diagnosis
- Diagnosis: Percentage of people who had a documented diagnosis, including on an insurance claim.
- Percentage of people assessed using a standardized screening tool: Rate of assessment using tools such as the Drug Abuse Screening Test or the Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription Medication, and Other Substance Use tool.
- Initiation of treatment
- Use of pharmacotherapy: Percentage of people diagnosed with an opioid use disorder who received medication.
- Opioid use disorder provider availability: Number of providers and treatment programs that can provide medication for opioid use disorder.
- Retention in opioid use disorder treatment
- Continuity of pharmacotherapy: Percentage of people receiving medication for opioid use disorder who used medication for at least six months.
- Initiation of and engagement in opioid use disorder treatment: Percentage of people who initiated treatment within two weeks of diagnosis or percentage of people using two or more services within the first month after initiating treatment.
- Follow-up after an emergency department visit for substance use: Percentage of people who receive follow-up care for substance use disorder or an overdose within seven days, and 30 days after visiting an emergency department for a substance use disorder related issue.
- Recovery
- One or more patient-reported outcome measures to be determined by state: Percentage of individuals who achieve an improved level of functioning or quality of life.
Note: Read The Pew Charitable Trusts’ issue brief, “States Should Measure Opioid Use Disorder Treatment to Improve Outcomes,” to read more about each measure and how it was selected.
The panel recommended states implement these core measures to provide stakeholders with information. Access to the data may improve practices and target scarce resources where they are urgently required and will be most effective. Pew also recommends that states develop public action plans including:
- Creating a data plan that includes reporting data publicly to create accountability.
- Regularly reviewing and acting on data.
- Working with treatment providers and people with opioid use disorder to develop improvement initiatives.
- Organizing data by demographics, such as race, age, and gender, to uncover health inequities.
Applying the Cascade of Care to Opioid Use Disorder
Applied globally, the “cascade of care” model improved the treatment of chronic diseases such as hepatitis C, hepatitis B, diabetes, and tuberculosis. Researchers funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse recommended the “cascade of care” framework be applied to the opioid epidemic in 2017. Since then, several states, localities and Tribal nations using the method established metrics for specific programs. States can apply the cascade of care approach to see which aspects of their treatment system are effective and which require increased attention and resources. Using the cascade of care model, Rhode Island found a gap between the number of people at risk for opioid use disorder and the number of people screened. Based on these findings, state officials decided to focus on increasing screening efforts for at-risk citizens.
A Toolkit for Adopting Core Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Measures
To help policymakers and data analysts adopt the core metrics, Pew commissioned an implementation toolkit by Dr. Tami Mark, senior fellow at RTI International. This toolkit provides:
- A checklist of activities to implement and improve policies and programs.
- Detailed information about each metric, including the data used, the organization responsible for updating the information, and links to additional technical details.
- A description on how measures can be used to identify inequities in access and use of treatment by populations of interest.