Overcoming Opioids: Paths to Progress

Overdose deaths from synthetic opioids like fentanyl have skyrocketed since 2013 in addition to a growing number of overdose deaths from prescription opioids and heroin. Despite significant efforts to address the opioid crisis, our country continues to struggle with this epidemic due to the highly addictive nature of these drugs and barriers to treatment, including stigma and lack of access. Leaders in the public and private sector are working to overcome these challenges to advance progress in their communities.

The final part in our four-part Defying Despair series, this webinar discussed ongoing efforts to increase access to evidence-based treatment and guide people on a path to recovery, including:

• An overview of the federal government's opioid response in light of current trends in substance use and overdose rates
• A health plan's whole-person approach to treating the underlying causes of opioid use disorder as well as overdose
• Steps taken by governors and state agencies to reduce the flow of opioids and to transform pain management