"Mitigating the Opioid Epidemic Crisis" by Olalekan Ogunsakin
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Touro Law Review

Touro Law Review

Abstract

The opioid epidemic remains a critical public health crisis, with over one million drug overdose deaths reported since 1999. In 2021 alone, more than 80,000 deaths were attributed to opioid overdoses, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl contributing to nearly 88% of these fatalities. This evolving epidemic underscores the urgent need for innovative approaches to address the misuse of opioids, particularly in healthcare settings. This study evaluates a multidisciplinary public health intervention focusing on substance use disorder (“SUD”) curriculum expansion in osteopathic institutions. Designed to bridge knowledge gaps among future healthcare professionals, the intervention included training over 1,200 osteopathic students in opioid overdose management and naloxone administration. Results demonstrated a 75% improvement in participant knowledge regarding opioid-related overdose management, highlighting the effectiveness of curriculum expansion in enhancing clinical preparedness. Feedback from participants indicated that the program’s content, accessibility, and alignment with learning objectives significantly improved their understanding and confidence in managing SUD cases. Additionally, integrating targeted training for future physicians in pain management specialties presents promising potential for long-term public health benefits. While no single intervention can fully resolve the opioid crisis, this study emphasizes the critical role of multidisciplinary strategies in mitigating its impact. Expanding SUD education equips healthcare providers with the tools to address opioid misuse effectively, reduce overdose-related fatalities, and foster nonjudgmental, patient-centered care in vulnerable communities. This approach highlights the value of embedding comprehensive SUD training into medical education to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic.

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