The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week will award more than $12 million to 23 states and the District of Columbia to combat the opioid epidemic.
A portion of the funds — $7.5 million awarded under the Enhanced State Surveillance of Opioid-Involved Morbidity and Mortality program — will be distributed to 20 states and the District to track and prevent opioid-related overdoses. In 12 states, these funds will be used to develop and adapt surveillance systems for opioid overdoses, with a specific focus on heroin and synthetic drugs.
Another $4.8 million will be awarded under the Prescription Drug Overdose: Prevention for States (PfS) program to enhance prescription drug monitoring programs and improve safe opioid prescribing practices.
Drop in Nonmedical Prescription Drug Use
Meanwhile, a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration finds that the estimated rate of Americans misusing prescription drugs has declined.
The rate of U.S. residents who reported nonmedical prescription drug use in the past year dropped to 4.3% in a survey from 2012 to 2014, compared with 4.6% from 2010 to 2012.
The report is based on findings from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Researchers said policymakers can use the report to inform efforts to combat substance abuse.
Contact Director of Policy Erin O’Malley at eomalley@essentialhospitals.org or 202.585.0127 with questions.
