(1/6) This #SundaySpotlight on #PublicHealth highlights 2⃣ journal articles I recently penned on opioid use disorder (OUD).
In my #PublicHealthReports perspective, I make the case for comprehensive syringe services programs (SSPs). Read it here: bit.ly/3fmlyBL
(2/6) Increases in both substance misuse & injection drug use have led to ⬆️ rates of infectious diseases. In 2018, there were nearly 70,000 drug overdose deaths in 🇺🇸 along with a staggering increase in #hepatitis cases.
(3/6) Similarly, the longstanding decline of #HIV cases among people who inject drugs has stalled. Comprehensive SSPs are a vital tool that can provide a range of services and care to those in need. More via @CDCgov: cdc.gov/ssp/index.html.
(4/6) In a new @JournalofEthics article w/ @NIDAnews’ Dr. Nora Volkow, we discuss the ethical imperatives to overcome stigma against people with OUD. Read it here: journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/ethica…
(5/6) #Stigma is what keeps people in the shadows – afraid to seek help and treatment. But we’ve also seen stigma against proven treatments or approaches like SSPs. It is critical that our health workforce recognizes that addiction is a treatable disease, and not a moral failing.
(6/6) As Dr. Volkow and I write, SSPs have been shown to improve outcomes “and do not encourage or increase drug use.” As such, @HHSGov, @CDCgov, @HHS_ASH & others have supported comprehensive SSPs and their ability to help connect people to care.
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