Q&A: A Pharmacist’s First-Hand View of Opioid Crisis in West Virginia

Throughout his time as an educator and provider in the pharmacy space, Mark Garofoli, PharmD, BCGP, CPE, CTTS, clinical associate professor at the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy, has seen both the detrimental impacts of the opioid epidemic as well as the inspiring efforts his fellow pharmacists have contributed toward in order to improve the crisis.

“One of the most horrific opioid crisis scenes that I’ll never get out of my head was the view in the parking lot of our state capital’s morgue around 2017, when extra-refrigerated containers were placed to accommodate the extra bodies from lives lost to drug overdoses,” he told Drug Topics. “[It was] later deciphered to be primarily involving illegal drugs.”

While Garofoli typically works with medically approved opioids and other pain management medications, he’s also well-versed on illicit opioids and their inevitable impact among communities ravaged by the opioid epidemic. He joined Drug Topics to add further insights into the ongoing issue and explained the pharmacist’s increasingly important role in correcting overdose mortality in this country.

In part 2 of our interview with him, Garofoli focused more on what pharmacists can do, and have been doing, to improve patient outcomes for those affected by the phenomenon. Learn from a pain expert and pharmacy industry advocate on how pharmacists are playing a key role to ensure a future with less opioid use disorder and overdose deaths.

READ MORE: Q&A: Fentanyl, Opiophobia Concurrently Contribute to Ongoing Opioid Crisis

Drug Topics: As a pharmacist and resident of West Virginia for over a decade now, how have you seen the effects of the opioid epidemic impact your state?

One of the most horrific opioid crisis scenes that I’ll never get out of my head was the view in the parking lot of our state capital’s morgue around 2017, when extra-refrigerated containers were placed to accommodate the extra bodies from lives lost to drug overdoses. [It was] later deciphered to be primarily involving illegal drugs.

I’m a glass-half-full type of guy, so that’s not a doom-and-gloom statement, rather the stark reality at the time. Then again, when a forest is decimated by fire, the regrowth can be astounding. Some of the clinical best practices and guidelines utilized around the world have their roots right here in wild and wonderful West Virginia.

Drug Topics: How have pharmacists been able to step in and provide direction for patients susceptible to the effects of the opioid crisis?

Pharmacists provide trusted care as readily available health information experts in pharmacies, hospitals, community events, and just about everywhere else. It’s no wonder that some of the most impactful efforts in the opioid crisis have begun within the realm of pharmacy.

Pharmacists have had tough conversations with patients across our nation to educate [them] on the safety and efficacy of, not only prescription opioids, but all pain management medications. Even in many instances, [pharmacists provide] education on illegal substances, as those are available everywhere in our society as well.

I wish every pharmacist who directly and immediately saved someone’s life by administering naloxone, or indirectly educating someone on how to do so, could have their name engraved somewhere on our National Mall like so many other heroes. Regardless, tomorrow the sun will rise, and another pharmacist will save yet another life; it’s what we do.

Drug Topics: With today’s landscape of overdose-reversing agents and opioid use disorder treatment like naloxone and buprenorphine—as well as whatever future developments are currently underway—do you see a future where the opioid epidemic is no more?

Although an optimist, I’m compelled to answer “no,” if extrapolating to all substances (ie, the war on drugs). I do not say that in despair, though, as the incredible efforts of so many need not end. Just as the desire for euphoria, getting by or getting away from it all shall not disappear either.

As I discussed in my TEDx talk, “Mise en Scene: Pain, Addiction, and YOU,” we as humans are programmed to and will always seek pleasure (dopamine release). The goal is to improve our pleasurable options—more of the best of times, less of the worst of times.

READ MORE: Naloxone Sales Highlight Limited OTC Use, Access Challenges

Ready to impress your pharmacy colleagues with the latest drug information, industry trends, and patient care tips? Sign up today for our free Drug Topics newsletter.