Deaths from drug overdoses were on the rise, even prior to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). And the pandemic has only amplified the issue. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “over 81,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the US in the 12 months ending in May 2020, the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period.” In response to pandemic-induced rising overdoses, the federal government and partners have amplified programs to support local communities. Read More

Even prior to the pandemic, community-based pharmacies have been essential sources of care and support for families, especially those most in need of resources for accessing health care, food, financial assistance, etc. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, community pharmacies are located in most communities in the US and more than 90% of the US population live within 5 miles of one. They are frequented more than the primary care provider’s office and this has been further heightened by COVID-19. While traditional visits to the doctor or hospital have been hindered or moved to telehealth, the local pharmacy has been a source of not only pandemic-specific health and safety information, but also guidance for managing chronic diseases. Read More

Did you know that in a 2019 survey by the American Board of Pain Medicine 92% of pain specialists “reported that they were required to submit a prior authorization for non-opioid pain care, which delayed patient treatment”? Non-opioid pain care includes occupational or physical therapy and non-opioid medications, treatments, creams, or patches. This barrier and more are what lead the American Medical Association (AMA) to recently recommend that states partner with universities and health systems to support “access to evidence-based interdisciplinary pain management delivery models” and that insurance companies review the coverage for these treatment protocols so they are on par with opioid coverage and patients are able to get the care they need. Read More