Opioid Task Force
Responding to the Opioid Epidemic
The U.S. is facing an opioid epidemic, with more than 130 Americans dying each day from opioid overdose. Such a dire issue requires a multifaceted, collaborative strategy between the medical community, first responders, treatment providers and community organizations. That’s the premise of our Opioid Task Force, an interprofessional group of scholars and practitioners, who are intent on combating this growing public health emergency through research, education and community outreach.
"This task force is like a spark plug, it’s ignited the collaborative research necessary to address the opioid epidemic. We already had the drivers, as in the individual researchers, and now our fleet of scholar cars is moving down the road. Together we hold the collective map to drive our research, practice and education across Texas and the nation to comprehensively tackle this national emergency.”
Marcia G. Ory, PhD, MPH
Chair, Opioid Task Force
A Three-Pronged Approach
Research
We’re identifying gaps in research and translating discoveries to policy and public health practice that can prevent and control opioid abuse. Our efforts will help ensure policies are evidence-based and that patients and entire communities have access to the care they need.
Education
While there is no “silver bullet” to curbing the opioid epidemic, education is an integral component. We’re promoting naloxone as a way to reverse opioid overdose, raising awareness of available treatment, and educating prescribers and patients on alternative pain treatments.
Community Outreach
Community changes can best be implemented by working with the community. Through partnerships with the criminal justice system, treatment providers, the medical community and community organizations, we’re raising awareness and destigmatizing substance abuse disorders.
The Opioid Epidemic: By the numbers, 2017
130+
People died every day from opioid-related drug overdoses
47600
People died from overdosing
on opioids
2.1 MIL
People had an opioid use disorder
11.4 MIL
People misused prescription opioids
$504 BIL
In economic costs
Sources: 1. 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health / 2. Mortality in the United States, NCHS Data Brief No. 293, December 2017 / 3. CEA Report: The underestimated cost of the opioid crisis, 2017
Need Help?
If you or a loved one needs immediate help with an addiction to opioids:
"Texas needs to improve long-term treatment options for people with substance-use disorder, who are working to end their dependence on opioids. Texas needs long-term treatment for folks that need this care to recover from opioid-use disorder, which is a real disease with real doctors and real treatments and evidence-based protocols. And you can recover."
JOY ALONZO, PHARMD
Co-Chair, Opioid Task Force
Learn more about the Empowering Community Action initiative