NAM Collaborative Targets Opioid Epidemic

The National Academy of Medicine today launched the Action Collaborative on Countering the U.S. Opioid Epidemic, a public-private partnership that will develop and disseminate evidence-based solutions to reduce opioid misuse and improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities affected by addiction. AHA is a member of the collaborative, chaired by NAM President Victor Dzau and co-chaired by Aspen Institute Vice President Ruth Katz, Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Health Brett Giroir and HCA Healthcare Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Perlin, former AHA chair. “The only viable approach to addressing the opioid misuse epidemic, the most pressing public health challenge of our time, is through multi-sector collaboration and a patient-centered approach,” said Giroir, senior advisor for mental health and opioid policy at HHS. “This collaborative brings the best from academia, industry, nonprofits and public service to identify opportunities and recommend bold action plans to yield results.” The collaborative will focus on issues such as appropriate prescribing practices, provider education and training, and opioid use disorder treatment. For an AHA toolkit and other resources to help hospitals and health systems tackle the opioid crisis, visit www.aha.org/opioidtoolkit.