America’s Opioid Epidemic: Search for Solutions
Across the United States, experts say 91 people are losing their lives every day to an opioid overdose. Deaths resulting from the misuse of prescription opioids have quadrupled since 1999, creating a unique public health challenge for the nation.
The President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis has recommended the designation of the opioid epidemic as a national emergency. As the White House takes steps in that direction, what other strategies are being considered at all levels to tackle this crisis? How can barriers to treatment and recovery be addressed and eliminated and what can be done to combat the stigma associated with addiction?
The Hill gathered key voices on the issue including government leaders, policymakers, patient advocates and health experts for a solutions forum on the opioid epidemic.
Speakers:
- Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), Member, Senate Committee on Finance
- Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY), Vice Chair, Congressional Addiction, Treatment and Recovery Caucus
- Michael Fraser, Executive Director, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
- Gary Mendell, Founder and CEO, Shatterproof
- Kenneth Stoller, Director, Johns Hopkins Broadway Center for Addiction
- Vanessa Vitolo, Outreach Coordinator, Victory Bay Recovery Center
- Nora Volkow, Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse
- Shaun Thaxter, CEO, Indivior
Moderators:
- Bob Cusack, Editor-in-Chief, The Hill
- Rachel Roubein, Health Care Reporter, The Hill
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