U.S. Surgeon General Briefs on Federal Efforts to Combat the Opioid Crisis

The Pew Charitable Trusts hosted the U.S. Surgeon General, Vice Admiral Jerome Adams, MD, on June 26, 2019, to discuss the federal government’s efforts to combat the opioid epidemic sweeping across the nation. The discussion focused on the multitude of factors leading to opioid addiction and the actions communities can take to treat present cases.

Dr. Adams emphasized opioid use disorders as a problem compounded by many factors. Over prescribing of opioids by physicians plays a major role in substance abuse, as 80 percent of people who use heroin say it started with a prescribed opioid. Once addicted, the stigma surrounding opioid use deters individuals from seeking help. Dr. Adams also noted that the prison system acts as the number one mental health provider in the country, yet fails to provide adequate substance abuse resources to inmates. To address the opioid problem, Dr. Adams promoted community action plans that provide naloxone, a lifesaving drug, and increase access to Medication Assisted Treatment, an evidence-based practice combining therapy and drugs. He ended his briefing by emphasizing that communities must use a collaborative approach to unite evidence-based practices with cooperation from business professionals regardless of their tie to public health.

ASCP agrees with the Surgeon General’s comments that addressing the epidemic requires a collaborative effort from all sides involved. We will continue to monitor this topic.

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