Page 13 - 2017 Community Benefit Report | Summa Health

Many of Summa’s new and continuing programs
focus on removing opioids and other expired or
unwanted medication from local homes where they
can be stolen and abused. In addition to preventing
inappropriate use, these safe and secure disposal
programs aid in reducing the amount of medication
being thrown into the garbage or flushed, which can
negatively impact our environment.

D.U.M.P. Boxes
In March 2017, through a partnership with Summit
County Public Health, Summa installed D.U.M.P.
(Dispose of Unused Medication Properly) boxes
in our Akron and Barberton Campus emergency
department vestibules. By year’s end, the highly
accessible boxes collected more than 213 pounds
of unused medication.

Drug Take-Back Days
The Summa Health Police Department, with the
support of Summa OB residents and hospital
pharmacies, annually hosts Drug Take Back Days at
locations throughout our service area. During the 2017
April and October events, we collected more than 58
pounds of medication at various collection sites.

Deterra® Drug Deactivation System Reduced ED Prescriptions
In April 2017, Summa began distributing Deterra® Summa is proud to be part of a 20 percent reduction
bags through a venture with the Summit County in opioid prescriptions being administrated by
Community Partnership (SCCP) and the Summa emergency departments statewide. Our 2017 efforts
Health Meds to Beds program. Featuring a concentrated on finding alternate methods of treating
deactivation system that neutralizes unwanted pain, prescribing lower doses of opioid medications
prescription medication effectively at home, these and better identifying patients at high risk.
1,500 Deterra pouches – if filled to capacity – have
the potential to remove 35,000+ pills from our Community Leadership
neighborhoods. Institute (CLI) Project
After exploring how health systems currently
Meds to Beds Program prescribe opiates, the Summa CLI class developed
The Summa Health Meds to Beds program at our an expanded opioid-risk screening program that was
Akron and Barberton Campuses allows patients to implemented at the Summa Health Barberton Family
receive home-going prescription medications prior to Practice. The 30-day pilot included recommendations
hospital discharge. This enables Summa providers to for improved patient language, a new screening
teach patients how and when to take the medication, model and patient support materials.
as well as answer questions before they leave our
facilities. While Summa has made significant progress in
battling this opioid crisis, there is still much to do. We
Vivitrol® Clinic will continue to address the community’s concerns,
Throughout 2017, Summa focused on final plans provide exceptional addiction and mental health care,
and preparations for the new Vivitrol® Clinic at our and be part of an ongoing conversation that creates
St. Thomas Campus. Opened in early 2018, the effective solutions for the communities we serve.
clinic helps those struggling with opioid or alcohol
addiction avoid relapse. Vivitrol (also known as
naltrexone) is a non-addictive, monthly injection that
blocks the body from responding to opiates.

Community Benefit Report – 2017 13