Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Scientists Hope The Opioid Epidemic May Have A Vaccine-Based Solution
NBC News: Opioid Vaccine Eyed By Scientists As A Shot To Stem Overdose Epidemic
The vaccination felt like most others — a slight pinprick in M.'s upper arm, followed by the application of a Band-Aid and advice to monitor the injection site for any unusual reactions. The vaccine, however, is unlike any other. It's not meant to protect against the coronavirus, or any germ, for that matter. It is meant to protect against a deadly opioid overdose. When M. (who requested that her full name not be used to protect her identity) got the shot this Tuesday, she became just the sixth person to receive it. (Edwards, 10/1)
In other news about opioids —
CBS News: Drug Enforcement Administration Seizes 1.8 Million Fentanyl-Laced Pills And Arrests More Than 800 In Nationwide Sting
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has seized approximately 1.8 million fentanyl-laced pills and nearly 1,570 pounds of fentanyl powder — enough to kill more than 700,000 people and to potentially make tens of millions more lethal pills, the agency announced Thursday. The two-month search was part of the DEA's effort to target criminal drug networks within the country. It resulted in the arrests of 810 people and the seizure of nearly 8,843 pounds of methamphetamine, 1,440 pounds of cocaine and 158 weapons, according to the Department of Justice. Multiple felony charges are pending as a result of the investigation for crimes including drug trafficking and drug distribution. (Powell, 9/30)
Axios: Sen. Capito: COVID Pandemic "Put The Accelerator" On Opioid Addiction
The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the nation's opioid crisis but brought important lessons on new treatment methods and the importance of public education campaigns, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) explained during an Axios virtual event on Thursday. The pandemic "put the accelerator" on opioid addiction and overdoses nationwide because of people's increased isolation and disrupted treatment, Capito said. (Saric, 9/30)
In other news about the drug crisis —
KQED: To Combat Meth, California Will Try A Bold Treatment: Pay Drug Users To Stop Using
When Billy Lemon was trying to kick his methamphetamine addiction, he went to a drug treatment program at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation three times a week and peed in a cup. If it tested negative for meth, he got paid about $7."For somebody who had not had any legitimate money – without committing felonies – that seemed like a cool thing," says Lemon, who was arrested three times for selling meth before starting recovery. (Dembosky, 9/30)
Health News Florida: Duval County Could Launch A Needle Exchange Program For Drug Users
Duval could be the next Florida county to launch a safe syringe exchange in response to a 2019 state law that authorized counties to implement such harm-reduction programs as long as they’re not funded with tax dollars. During an informational meeting Wednesday, Jacksonville City Council member Michael Boylan said he plans to introduce legislation to authorize a program for intravenous drug users to safely exchange used needles for new ones at no cost. (Heddles, 9/30)
Carolina Public Press: High Cost Of Treating Addiction In NC
For North Carolinians with addiction, finding a suitable treatment plan is only the beginning of an often lifelong process. After patients navigate the matrix of treatment services and regulations, they have to find a way to pay for care. A lack of funding can cause a life-or-death setback. (Deen, 9/30)
