The evolution of the overdose epidemic and CDC’s research response: a commentary

Abstract

The United States drug overdose epidemic has reached an all-time high, with 2020 provisional mortality data indicating that over 90,000 lives were lost to drug overdose in the 12-months ending in December 2020. The overdose epidemic has evolved over time with respect to the substances involved in overdose deaths and also with respect to the geographic distribution and epidemiology of deaths involving specific substances. Thus, a nimble approach to addressing the epidemic and preventing future overdoses is needed. CDC’s response to the overdose epidemic supports implementation efforts at the state and local levels, where partners can better detect and respond to the evolving drug overdose landscape and implement prevention measures that meet their needs. CDC’s framework for responding to the overdose epidemic focuses on five areas: (1) conducting surveillance and research; (2) building state, local and tribal capacity; (3) supporting providers, health systems and payers; (4) partnering with public safety; and (5) empowering consumers to make safe choices. Central to informing the implementation of evidence-based strategies to prevent drug overdose is rigorous research that undergirds the evidence. This Commentary describes recent investments in overdose prevention research and outlines opportunities for ensuring that future research efforts allow for the flexibility necessary to effectively respond to the continually evolving epidemic.

Expanding Selection Criteria to Repairable Diseased Hearts to Meet the Demand of Shortage of Donors in Heart Transplantation

“…Sadly, most of the patients who contribute to the OODDs are younger than the age of 45 years and greatly contribute to the donor pool [ 45 ]. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2020, there were over 90,000 deaths related to opioid overdose [ 46 ]. It is worrisome to use hearts from OODDs as there might be cardiac complications associated with the patient using opioids.…”

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“…The opioid epidemic has reached unprecedented proportions globally. In the United States alone, overdoses caused by opioids have claimed the lives of over hundreds of thousands of people, with rates of lethal overdoses expected to double in the next five years ( Holland et al, 2021 ; Pickard and Lee, 2021 ). Prescription opioids are major contributors to the current opioid crisis, despite serving as the mainstay treatment for severe and chronic pain.…”

Combating the opioid epidemic in the United States

“…We are privileged to have a commentary from officers based at the United States Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which discusses the CDC’s overdose prevention research and evaluation efforts and outlines ways to ensure flexibility in prevention research and evaluation as the epidemic continues to evolve. 7 …”