| Idea for Addressing Solution
In no more than 250 words, outline your idea for addressing the issue and explain why legislation is the best course for advocacy. |
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| The opioid epidemic requires effective measures through a whole-of-government, society-wide approach as proposed by Truong et al. (2023) because of the multifaceted nature of the drug supply market. For instance, Fentanyl, which is responsible for over two-thirds of overdose deaths and drug abuse incidences, is mainly imported as synthetic opioid from abroad. The article notes that as a complex public health crisis and issue, the U.S. can reduce and prevent the increasing prevalence by focusing on the root causes of drug abuse, expanding access to treatment and developing harm reduction strategies. Additionally, the country can develop measures to reduce the supply of illicit opioids entering the United States from other countries. Accordingly, Congress and policymakers at different levels of government should develop measures to expand access to evidence-based community harm reduction, treatment, and recovery options (CBO, 2022). These policies should focus on the social determinants of health, improve access to treatment options, especially in the most affected areas, communities, and populations. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2023) in collaboration with health departments in 47 states, Washington DC, two territories and 16 cities and counties collects data on overdose for effective action through surveillance and prevention activities.
Legislation is the best course for advocacy for this issue because of its complex nature. The implication is that having Congressional actions as advanced by many studies will enhance access to health care through strategies aimed at treatment and harm reduction as well as preventing access market to the drugs, especially imported synthetic drugs like fentanyl that is the biggest cause of abuse and the opioid crisis. Existing legislative frameworks like Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, 21st Centrury Cures Act and SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act have not been effective as expected to reduce the opioid epidemic and offer effective access to treatment and harm reduction for those addicted to the drugs. |