Pediatric pain remains a critical yet underrecognized public health issue, contributing to an astounding $19.5 billion in annual health care costs. Each year, nearly 6 million pediatric surgeries are performed, and up to 38% of these young patients develop chronic post-surgical pain — pain that lingers for months beyond the expected recovery period. Even more concerning, 73% of youth with chronic pain continue to experience pain and disability into adulthood, highlighting the urgent need for early, effective intervention.
While advances in multimodal pain management and psychosocial support have improved care, the opioid crisis continues to pose significant risks. Between 1999 and 2016, nearly 9,000 children and adolescents died from opioid poisonings, with mortality rates tripling across all age groups. The most dramatic increases were seen in the youngest and oldest children, underscoring the delicate balance clinicians must strike between pain relief and safety.
To support hospitals in addressing this challenge, WSHA is launching the Opioid Stewardship DELTA Collaborative on July 28, 2025. This six-month initiative aims to reduce acute opioid prescribing above state guidelines, with a special focus on pediatric populations — where prescribing rates remain 22% above recommended levels.
The DELTA Collaborative will feature two in-person and four virtual learning sessions, offering hospitals a platform to explore barriers, analyze Prescription Monitoring Program data and implement actionable strategies. Participants will benefit from shared learning and statewide collaboration to drive measurable improvements in opioid stewardship.
To participate, organizations must designate:
- A C-suite sponsor.
- A team leader with decision-making authority.
- At least one additional team member involved in opioid harm prevention.
Interested? Join our information session on June 18 from 11 a.m.-noon.
Sincerely,
Amy Anderson
Director, Safety and Quality
amya@wsha.org