A comprehensive understanding of the multiple drivers of the opioid epidemic, as outlined in the report, is a critical step in moving forward with solutions to address the public health crisis.
Healthcare distributors are working with government and private sector stakeholders to turn the tide of the epidemic. HDA and our members are committed to stopping prescription opioid abuse and misuse before it occurs through investments in information technology monitoring tools, initiatives to provide education and awareness to consumers and practical policy solutions to address opioid abuse and misuse.
View the full report here, and check out our resources for more information on practical solutions to combat opioid addiction and abuse across the country.
------------------------------
Perry Fri
Executive Vice President, Industry Relations
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 01-06-2019 22:07
From: Anne Nevel
Subject: Origins of the Opioid Abuse Epidemic to Advance Solutions
A new report by Avalere Health, "Trends in Opioid Use: History, Background, and Origins of the Epidemic," comes at a critical point in the broader discussion about opioid abuse and misuse, and provides important context around the clinical, regulatory and policy milestones that contributed to the public health epidemic and impacted the national response to the crisis.
Spurred by the "Pain, the Fifth Vital Sign" campaign in the mid-1990s, national scientific bodies and the medical community reached a broad consensus about the importance of assessing and managing pain as closely as pulse, respiration, temperature and blood pressure.
As a result, the total volume of prescription opioids dispensed was growing at a rate of 6 percent each year. Federal policies further increased the credibility of the push to treat pain more aggressively, with the Department of Veterans Affairs officially designating pain as the "fifth vital sign" in 1999. What are your thoughts on this @George Miller #opioid
Understanding the Origins of the Opioid Abuse Epidemic to Advance Solutions
------------------------------
Anne Nevel
Senior Director, Industry Education
------------------------------