The COVID-19 pandemic has forced states across to the country to continue measures such as social distancing and shelter-in-place to stop the spread of disease. The isolation and anxiety as a result of distance and the disease poses challenges and risks for the millions of Americans fighting another epidemic at home — opioids.
On average, 130 Americans die each day from an overdose involving opioids, many of whom started with a medication prescription to manage pain. With COVID-19, there are real concerns that progress made towards addressing this crisis is being lost as daily routines are uprooted, access to crucial support or care is disrupted, and concerns over finances and employment are impacted as the pandemic continues.
