Film/Video
ASU presents: The experts on medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Abigail Henderson1, Adrienne Lindsey, MA, DBH2, Christina Boudreau, MPH3 and Kevin Bushaw1
(1)Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, (2)Center for Applied Behavioral Health Policy, Phoenix, AZ, (3)Community Medical Services, Phoenix, AZ
APHA's 2020 VIRTUAL Annual Meeting and Expo (Oct. 24 - 28)
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the gold standard for treatment of opioid use disorder and is one of the most efficacious tools to combat the opioid epidemic, resulting in significant reductions in illicit drug use and mortality. It involves the use of a medication (such as methadone or buprenorphine) in combination with behavioral therapies. ASU Presents: The Experts on MAT is a nine-part docuseries featuring interviews with Arizona’s experts on addiction, harm reduction, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and naloxone. The interviewers are journalism students from the Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The series serves to reduce stigma and address common myths associated with MAT. The intended audience for the series is the general public and MAT-naïve providers, with an emphasis on those who may believe the myths dispelled throughout the film. This project was launched in conjunction with MAT pocket guides, a survey of Arizona providers, trainings for medical providers to receive a SAMHSA waiver to prescribe MAT, and ongoing technical assistance to help providers implement the treatment. To date, the film has had an in-person premiere, been marketed through various social media forums such as Facebook and YouTube, and aired on local cable access television.