Initiatives

OPEN leads many projects to educate our Michigan Communities, and in order to showcase these projects, OPEN splits them up into different initiatives. These initiatives are a core part of our work here at OPEN, and directly link to our mission to help provide transformative solutions through our research-based evidence, engagement with our communities, and our compiled list of resources.
OPIOID PRESCRIBING
OPEN’s Opioid Prescribing Recommendations are procedure-specific and developed through data analysis, literature review and expert consensus. The recommendations are updated as new evidence is published in order to keep providers current with best practices in opioid prescribing. Learn more about our Opioid Prescribing Recommendations.

Prescribing Recommendations Development Program
Learn how you can help OPEN develop new procedure recommendations and update existing recommendations by participating in data collection from Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs).
Adult Prescribing Recommendations
Check out OPEN’s evidence-based surgical prescribing recommendations for adult patients. These recommendations are updated regularly including revised recommendations and new procedures.
SAFE STORAGE AND DISPOSAL
Managing unused, unwanted, and expired medications is a safety and environmental concern. There are simple and safe alternatives, like take-back events and local disposal sites. Learn more about safe storage and disposal.

Medication Disposal Box Program
OPEN is offering an opportunity to implement permanent medication disposal boxes in Michigan communities to promote safe disposal of unused medications. Learn how you can get one in your community.Public Health Policy
Understanding the many complex issues related to opioid misuse and overdose is extremely important in developing effective policy. Learn more about our advocacy for public health policy.

Medication Disposal Box Program
OPEN is offering an opportunity to implement permanent medication disposal boxes in Michigan communities to promote safe disposal of unused medications. Learn how you can get one in your community.SUD CARE COORDINATION
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Care Coordination aims to educate providers on the importance of screening for substance use disorder and communicating with patients in a non-stigmatizing way. Learn more about SUD Care Coordination.

Substance Use Disorder Screening and Care Coordination Guide
This guide is comprised of email templates with resources for surgical teams to assist in caring for patients who scored positive in one or more category of the TAPS screening questionnaire.

Managing Pain After Surgery (Adults)
Learn more about how to successfully manage your pain after surgery using over the counter (OTC) medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), non-medication options and using opioids if prescribed by your surgeon.
NALOXONE
Naloxone (Narcan) is a lifesaving medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdose. OPEN is committed to partnering with organizations around Michigan to keep our communities safe. Learn more about Naloxone Distribution.

Emergency Department Naloxone Implementation Guide
We developed this this step-by-step guide for EDs to navigate these barriers and to facilitate implementation of your unique ED-tailored naloxone distribution program.
PAINLESS: THE OPIOID MUSICAL
Inspired by true stories of addiction and recovery, Painless: The Opioid Musical was developed to educate high school students about the risks involved in taking opioids. Learn more about Painless.

Painless: The Opioid Musical
Learn how to bring Painless: The Opioid Musical to your school and help teach your students about the risks involved in opioid use.
Painless: The Opioid Musical Toolkit
Learn how to facilitate discussions about Painless and help students engage with the topics appearing in the musical.
Stigma Reduction
OPEN is dedicated to reducing stigma in our communities, especially in health care. Learn more about spreading awareness to the importance of patient-centered care and person-first language.

Addiction Language Guide – Shatterproof
Comprehensive addiction language guide to reduce use of stigmatizing language.

Words Matter Video – Shatterproof
Changing our language improves outcomes for those struggling with addiction. Watch this brief video to learn more.