DE Hospitals Adopt Statewide Guidance for Opioid Abuse Treatment
DELAWARE – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services joined hospital leaders from across the state on Tuesday to announce the adoption of new statewide Emergency Department Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Guidance.
Developed through Delaware’s Overdose System of Care , the guidance establishes a consistent framework for how emergency departments identify, treat, and connect patients experiencing opioid withdrawal or overdose to ongoing care. Leaders say the recommendations reflect nearly a year of collaboration among emergency physicians, addiction specialists, hospitals, behavioral health professionals, and state partners.
“Every emergency department encounter represents an opportunity to save a life and begin the path to recovery,” said Joanna Champney, Director of the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. “By adopting a common set of evidence-based practices statewide, Delaware’s hospitals are ensuring that patients receive consistent, compassionate care and stronger connections to treatment, regardless of where they seek help.”
The new guidance addresses every stage of the emergency department experience — from initial patient engagement and withdrawal management to medication initiation, discharge planning, warm handoffs to treatment providers, and connections to recovery support services. It also emphasizes reducing stigma, using person-centered language, and treating opioid use disorder as a chronic medical condition.
“The emergency department may be the single most important opportunity to intervene after an overdose or during opioid withdrawal,” said Dr. Robert Rosenbaum, State EMS and Preparedness Section Medical Director for the Division of Public Health. “This guidance brings together the best practices developed by emergency physicians and clinical partners across Delaware so patients have the greatest possible chance to begin treatment, remain engaged in care, and ultimately achieve recovery.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid abuse, call the 24/7 Delaware Hope Line at 1-833-9-HOPEDE or 1-833-946-7333.
