THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND THE OPIOID CRISIS IN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Deaths from drug overdose have been on a stark rise. In 2019, 72,000 people died from a drug overdose in the US, a 5% increase since 2018.1 In New Jersey alone, overdose-related deaths increased by 17% first half of 2020.2  It is speculated that opioid overdose will be highest this year, new spike that we had never seen since 2016 when fentanyl came into the market. The pandemic has resulted shortage available clinics, mental health workers, and social services provided safety net to most vulnerable members our communities. The data among different Jersey communities show the black community been disproportionately affected, highlighting racial inequalities, especially in our public healthcare system.  There are three FDA-approved medications for managing opioid use disorder- methadone, suboxone, and naloxone. Although methadone suboxone shown reduce risk mortality, there much stigma around using these drugs. Many patients view them as switching another form of opioid or believe they “lacking or strength” if continue taking medications. Further complications arise there limitations barriers doctors allowing only limited daily prescriptions.  For instance, methadone can dispensed daily only at a number specialized clinics. For Buprenorphine prescription, require special certification to prescribe the drug, stringent criteria for insurance reimbursement. None these criteria are evidence-based and limiting access patient medications. With rising eviction rate an increase homelessness, there need strong government response tackle crisis.    The federal taken some critical steps allowing dispensing four weeks these medications to stable patients without face-to-face evaluation. Steps like this are being welcomed public forums provide medication thousands of patients practicing social isolation due to COVID 19. Another promising initiative was distribution free naloxone over selective pharmacies, which helps reverse effects an opioid overdose. American Journal Public Health 2018 published study outlining 11 policies to mitigate impact the opioid epidemic.3 study found that naloxone distribution, expanding medication-assisted and psychosocial treatment, and promoting needle exchange helped reduce opioid-related life years. The should implement drastically emergency basis educate through electronic print media. Even though New been the state offer buprenorphine treatment after reviving an opioid overdose, expand care overcome to follow-up treatment.4 Especial efforts help homeless and individuals living in shelters as receive minimal mental health support. Such policy interventions can during pandemic save individuals, families, and the most underprivileged communities. &nbsp