Over a span of 18 years, prescription opioid deaths surged nearly 80 percent since 1997, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. 

Pana Community Hospital’s Anesthesia Department is well aware and wants to make a difference, because anesthesia practice traditionally relies on opioids for pain management, says Bub Ludwig, Anaesthesia Director. 

Ludwig says that the perspective has shifted from within anesthesia departments around the country. 

Ludwig also says that PCH has taken the approach to use non-opioid based medications for a few years now. 

He says that there are a variety of reasons why this works so well for the hospital. 

Learn more at panahospital.com. Ludwig appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.