The Hill (12/17, Kelley) reports, “While deaths related to COVID-19 reach record highs in the U.S., new data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that deaths from drug overdoses are accelerating amid the pandemic, signaling the continued emotional strain the pandemic is having on people.” The agency “said that more than 81,000 drug overdose fatalities occurred in the U.S. over the last 12 months, ending in May 2020.” Recently, the American Medical Association (AMA) “documented a similar spike in drug overdose deaths fueled by opioid abuse.” AMA Immediate Past President Patrice A. Harris, M.D., M.A., said, “We are appropriately focused on COVID, it is still top of mind for most people, and it’s understandable that we can lose focus on other issues…but we still have to make sure we are focused on the overdose epidemic that we continue to experience in this country.”
Meanwhile, PatientEngagementHIT (12/17, Heath) reports, “As the opioid overdose epidemic continues to ravage the nation, state leaders need to zero in on strategies that will expand patient access to care and address treatment barriers for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD), according to a new paper from the American Medical Association and Manatt Health.” Dr. Harris said, “Sadly, the drug overdose epidemic continues, and it has become more complicated during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Harris added, “It is long past due for all stakeholders to remove barriers to care and address systemic inequities that have been brought to light during this pandemic. Physicians and other health care professionals will continue to take action, and the AMA is willing to work with all stakeholders to implement these recommendations to prevent future deaths.
Related Links:
— “Drug overdose deaths accelerating due to pandemic: CDC “Alexandra Kelley, The Hill, December 17, 2020