An Epidemic Amid a Pandemic: Opioid Abuse

March 17, 2023
Nikki Wilson, PharmD, MBA
Senior Director of Pharmacy Clinical Services, Enlyte
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On this week’s podcast, Nikki Wilson highlights the prevalence of opioid use and opioid use disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic in the US, which enhanced an already pervading national emergency.

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the pre-existing opioid epidemic, which already served as one of the leading causes of adult accidental deaths. Isolation, mandated lockdowns and reduced access to resources and support have seemingly worsened the situation, with 40% of US adults reporting mental health or substance use issues and 13% reporting new or increased substance use due to COVID-related stress.

Around 46.3 million Americans aged 12 or older reported substance use disorder in the past year, and 9 million people reported opioid misuse, indicating a significant increase from a decade ago.

*The views and opinions expressed in the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) blogs/podcasts are those of each respective author/speaker. The views and opinions do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PRIMA.*

Nikki Wilson, PharmD, MBA
Senior Director of Pharmacy Clinical Services, Enlyte

Summary of Qualifications

As a licensed pharmacist, Nikki has over 13 years of comprehensive industry experience through leadership roles across prescription home delivery programs, pharmacy operations and benefit management (PBM), and clinical product development. Dr. Wilson serves as a national thought leader and frequent contributor to industry presentations and publications.

Responsibilities

Nikki provides clinical leadership and strategic direction as senior director of clinical pharmacy services at Mitchell, an Enlyte company. She is responsible for evolving and operationalizing strategic pharmacy initiatives as well as overseeing clinical service teams and program capabilities at Mitchell as an integral component of the full-service managed care organization, Enlyte.

Business Experience

  • Applied Underwriters: Pharmacist-in-Charge and Clinical Department Manager (6 years)
  • Coventry Workers’ Comp Services/Enlyte Pharmacy Solutions: Director, Pharmacy Product Development (7 years)
  • Enlyte Pharmacy Solutions: Senior Director of Pharmacy Clinical Services (1 year)

Professional Affiliations

  • American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM)
  • American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
  • American Pharmacists Association (APhA)

Education

Dr. Wilson received her Doctor of Pharmacy and Masters of Business Administration degrees from Creighton University in Nebraska.

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