Good news in battle against the opioid crisis

According to the CDC, drug overdose deaths have dropped 4% nationwide. Find out more about how this step in the right direction can continue to move toward a solution to this deadly epidemic.

Stock image of a doctor holding a stethoscope behind their back

The last few years have seen some bad news in the world of health, especially with the opioid crisis and the deaths that occurred due to drug overdoses. But a recent article from USA Today has provided a spot of good news - life expectancy is up and deaths from drug overdoses are down.

According to the CDC, drug overdose deaths dropped 4% nationwide. With the increased availability of the overdose antidote to emergency workers, medication-assisted treatments for those addicted to opioids, and a larger advocacy in opioid education for both physicians and patients are all factors that can be accredited to this decline.

While this news shows that efforts being made are a step in the right direction, the problem is not completely solved. Education and conversations on the important issues regarding opioids can still lead to more improvements in the care and lives of those affected.

ViewMedica has a set of opioid-related videos that subscribers to its On-Demand and VMcast waiting room TV services can use to help keep the conversation going.