Work

Combatting the opioid epidemic: Baltimore’s experience and lessons learned

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: In the midst of a national opioid crisis, Baltimore City witnessed 393 deaths from drug and alcohol overdose in 2015. With an estimated 25 000 residents who are addicted to heroin or other opioids, Baltimore has been profoundly affected by the opioid epidemic. Other resources have commented on federal, state-based, and provider responses to the opioid crisis. This article examines what may be done at the city level based on the experiences of the Baltimore City Health Department. Local jurisdictions must play a critical role in addressing the U.S. opioid crisis through public health coalitions, overdose prevention, treatment expansion, and anti-stigma education.

Source: Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdx093

Authors: Leana S Wen, Katherine E Warren

Institutions: Baltimore City Health Department, Harvard University

Language: English

Topic: Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Rhodes Scholarships, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of General Medical Sciences