Over the 12 months ending in April 2021, 100,000 Americans died from an overdose — a nearly 30% increase, mostly driven by fentanyl, and a grim new record. The ongoing stress and strain of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to make this situation a lot worse.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Addiction is a preventable, treatable illness. As we enter a new year, there will be new opportunities for the federal government to direct much more time, attention, and resources to this devastating crisis.
Tell the Biden administration to act — now. To turn the tide, leadership must focus on strategies and policies that will measurably save lives.
- Remove barriers to evidence-based treatments, like medications
- Train all providers on addiction, so that every health professional is prepared to prevent, identify, and treat substance use disorders
- Treat addiction at stage 1 by encouraging Collaborative Care models, allowing patients to get the help they need right in their primary care doctor’s office
- Educate the public with trustworthy information about addiction, including guidance on how to access lifesaving naloxone and fentanyl testing strips
- Take concrete steps to dismantle stigma so that patients are treated with compassion, not judgment or punishment
The more voices we include, the more powerful our call to action will be. If you know that addiction is a medical illness, not a moral failing, add your name now to show your support!