SAFE Glen Cove Coalition: SAMHSA Update on the Opioid Crisis

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has advanced the use of science, in the form of data and evidence-based policies, programs and practices, to improve the lives of Americans living with substance use disorders and mental illness and of their families. People throughout the United States are dying every day from substance use disorders and from serious mental illnesses. SAMHSA remains committed to promoting effective treatment options, knowing people can recover when they receive appropriate services.

On March 14th, Elinore F. McCance-Katz, MD, PhD, Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services presented an update on the opioid crisis. According to Katz, 2.1 million Americans currently suffer from Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Of those individuals, only 20% with OUD received specialty addiction treatment.

In 2016, there were over 63,632 drug overdose deaths of which 42,249 – 66% were from opioids. Additionally, 4.4% of the total population (11.5 million) misused opioids. According to Katz, 3 out of 4 people who used heroin in the past year misused Rx opioids first. 7 out of 10 people who used heroin in the past year also misused prescription opioids in the past year.

“The situation regarding opioid addiction and serious mental illness is urgent, and we must attend to the needs of the American people”. Katz’ presentation goes on to address SAMHSA’s comprehensive plan to address the opioid crisis emphasizing evidence-based treatment practices.

The SAFE Glen Cove Coalition is conducting an opioid prevention awareness campaign entitled "Keeping Glen Cove SAFE" to educate and update the community regarding opioid use and its consequences.

To read this presentation, please visit the safe website for the full document at www.safeglencove.org or visit https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/speeches-presentations. To learn more about the SAFE Glen Cove Coalition please follow us on: www.facebook.com/safeglencovecoalition.