Crozer Health Co-Sponsors Forum on Opioid Epidemic

Behavioral Health Leader Presents at Panel Discussion

Crozer Health co-sponsored a robust discussion about Philadelphia’s opioid addiction epidemic today, with partners Independence Blue Cross and The Inquirer. Kevin Caputo, M.D., vice president of Behavioral Health at Crozer Health , participated in the forum’s panel discussion.

The forum included journalists from The Inquirer, discussing ongoing coverage of the crisis, and representatives from regional social service organizations that combat opioid addiction.

Also in attendance was Thomas Farley, M.D., MPH, health commissioner from the City of Philadelphia; Tony Luke, Jr., famed Philadelphia restaurateur and anti-heroin activist; and Richard Snyder, M.D., chief medical officer at Independence Blue Cross.

The forum concluded with demonstrations on the use of overdose reversal drugs, and an address by Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney.

Caputo advocated for cooperation between medical, legal and social services in an effort to reverse the startling upswing of opioid addiction and overdoses in the Philadelphia region.

“We must embrace medically assisted treatment for opioid addiction,” he said. “The medical community must also partner with behavioral health and the non-medical community in the provision of care.” The continuum of care should address access to opioids, outpatient treatment, residential facilities and detox units, rehab care and halfway houses, he explained.

Caputo said Delaware County has the third highest number of overdose deaths in Pennsylvania, behind Philadelphia and Allegheny counties, and Crozer Health has been instrumental in building the continuum of care and creating partnerships.

Crozer Health employs Delaware County’s largest staff of board-certified and board-eligible psychiatrists and continues to expand its offerings in the areas of mental health and substance abuse.