Yuma District Hospital and Clinics is a participant in the Colorado ALTO Program that aims to reduce the administration of opioids in Colorado emergency departments.

Colorado is at the center of the U.S. opioid epidemic with the 12th highest rate of misuse and abuse of prescription opioids across all 50 states. Colorado hospitals, particularly their EDs, are in a strong position to integrate new, more effective pain management treatments that are tailored to each patient’s unique pain experience. 

Yuma District Hospital and Clinics is a participant in the Colorado ALTO Program that aims to reduce the administration of opioids in Colorado emergency departments (EDs). Yuma District Hospital and Clinics goal is to help patients improve pain management, return them to a maximum level of function and independence and ultimately, restore their quality of life. Our hospital and clinicians are committed to understanding and individually treating patients’ physical and emotional symptoms of pain.

The ED at Yuma District Hospital and Clinics is not changing to be “opioid free.” We still recognize that there are patients and conditions that are appropriate to treat opioids and do offer them if alternative therapies fail. Our ED providers and staff will continue to accommodate all patients’ needs.

The Colorado ALTO Project is led by Colorado Hospital Association in partnership with the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse, the Colorado Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, Telligen and the Colorado Emergency Nurses Association.