Dr. Jacobson Recognized Regionally for Help in Opioid Epidemic

The Region VI Behavioral Health Board recently acknowledged Dr. Trevor Jacobson, M.D., for his service to the area by presenting him with the Regional Empowerment Award. This award is presented to a deserving member in our region for being a champion in the fight against the opioid epidemic. Dr. Jacobson received the award on December 5, 2019, at a Legislative Dinner in Pocatello.
JoAnn Martinez is the Chair of Region VI Behavioral Health Board and she acknowledged his impact by stating, “The quality services that you provide inspire hope, recovery, and resiliency in the lives of Idahoans suffering from addiction and their families. Your efforts are instrumental in making a positive difference to our community through education, awareness, training, and prevention of opioid addiction. You have been active in the community, and the service you provide by training professionals on the treatment of individuals with addiction is invaluable as we continue to address the need of those struggling with addiction in our area. Our community benefits immensely from the work that you provide.”

Dr. Jacobson is practicing at Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Internal Medicine Clinic. He received a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology, Medical Degree, and Family Medicine Specialty Degree all at the University of Utah. He is Board Certified as a Family Practice Physician with experience in pediatrics, sports medicine, weight loss management, women’s health, mental health, addiction, and disease prevention.

Dr. Jacobson is one of the few providers in the region that has specialized in the fight against opioid addiction using medication-assisted therapy, and his program has been found to be effective in the treatment and recovery of opioid dependence. Over 100 patients from across 5 states are being treated with medication-assisted therapy each month in Dr. Jacobson’s clinic. During his medical residency, he saw that patients were getting hooked on opioids which was a big concern to him. His experience in helping those patients helped him design a program that has proved effective. His patients are
receiving great outcomes and they are passing the word on to others to reach out and get assistance.

Dr. Jacobson’s program works with Idaho’s Response to the Opioid Crisis (IROC) project that is working to fight the opioid epidemic currently plaguing Idahoans, their family members, and friends. The Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) is currently using a multifaceted approach that seeks to expand access to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), reduce access to opioids through prevention efforts, enhance the recovery-oriented system of care, and reduce deaths. This 4-part approach will: ▪ Provide opioid specific treatment and recovery support services to individuals with an Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Treatment services will include access to both Methadone and Suboxone/Buprenorphine MAT. ▪ Increase accessibility to resources that will assist in reducing the incidences of opioid misuse by reducing access and preventing overdose deaths. Methods include using prescriber report cards to create social norms of decreased opioid prescribing; reducing diversion of opioids by establishing drop-box programs in pharmacies statewide; and educating prescribers on use of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP). ▪ Provide community-based services that connect individuals with an OUD to peer supports and sober living activities. ▪ Increase the use of Naloxone to reverse opiate overdoses through training and provision of Naloxone to first responders and other community members who may encounter individuals at risk of opiate overdose. If you or someone you know would be interested in receiving more information on services available, please contact Dr. Jacobson at 208-847-1110.