Our community's commitment to combating the opioid crisis reached a significant milestone this week as Shore Medical Center announced that support from OAR13's Kyle Evans Memorial Golf Outing has now totaled $100,000 over the past five years.
The nonprofit organization recently presented a $20,000 check to Shore's leadership team on Thursday, February 26, representing proceeds from their 2025 golf outing. The funds are making a measurable difference in how our local hospital approaches pain management and addiction treatment.
Real Results in Reducing Opioid Use
The partnership between OAR13 and Shore Medical Center is producing tangible outcomes. Between 2024 and 2025, the hospital saw a 15.5% decrease in the number of opioid doses administered to hospitalized patients and a 10% reduction in intravenous opioid doses—the most dangerous form of administration.
"Thanks to everyone who organized and supported the Kyle Evans Memorial Golf Outing, this partnership with OAR13 has now generated $100,000 to assist our efforts to address the opioid epidemic in our community," said David Hughes, chief executive officer and president of Shore Medical Center. "The continued reductions highlight the impact of sustained clinical initiatives designed to strengthen opioid stewardship, while ensuring patients continue to receive safe and effective pain management."
From Tragedy to Purpose
OAR13 was founded with a mission to attack the opioid epidemic at its source while supporting innovative treatment methods. The organization's annual golf tournament, held at Harbor Pines Golf Club, will return on Friday, April 24, for another year of fundraising and community building.
David Beyel, Jr., along with fellow OAR13 members Nick Canderan, Maggie Davis, Jason Dugan, Nikki Patrizzi, and Ryan Scully, presented the latest donation to Shore's leadership team. Their efforts honor the memory of their friend Kyle Evans while creating lasting change.
"What started out as an idea and an excuse to come together to remember our friend Kyle has now turned into $100k in donations to the hospital and 7 college scholarships for student-athletes," said Ryan Scully. "We hope to continue to make a meaningful impact in the community."
How the Funds Are Making a Difference
Shore Medical Center has implemented multiple initiatives funded by these donations, all designed to reduce unnecessary opioid use while maintaining effective pain management for patients who need it.
The hospital's Pharmacy-Driven IV to Oral Opioid Conversion Protocol prioritizes oral medications over intravenous administration, significantly reducing the risk of serious adverse events like respiratory depression. Intravenous opioids carry heightened dangers, including sedation that can lead to life-threatening complications.
Shore's Emergency Department has also expanded non-opioid pain management options, giving providers alternative treatments when clinically appropriate. This approach ensures patients receive relief without unnecessary exposure to addictive medications.
Perhaps most importantly, teams from Pharmacy, Nursing, Providers, and Case Management are partnering with Legacy Treatment Centers to provide opioid detox treatment to hospitalized patients. This collaboration helps patients transition to outpatient care, reducing the risk of relapse and ensuring they don't fall through the cracks of the healthcare system.
Comprehensive Safety Measures
Additional initiatives at Shore Medical Center include cutting-edge AI software that monitors controlled substance use to prevent diversion, upgraded cabinetry and surveillance equipment to strengthen medication security, and naloxone discharge kits for patients who present after an overdose or show signs of substance abuse.
The hospital has also launched a pharmacy pain consult service, allowing providers to request comprehensive chart reviews and receive patient-specific pain management recommendations tailored to individual needs.
As our community continues to grapple with the opioid epidemic, partnerships like the one between OAR13 and Shore Medical Center demonstrate what's possible when local organizations come together with purpose and determination. The $100,000 milestone represents not just financial support, but lives saved, families preserved, and a community united in fighting addiction at its source.
