08/31/2025
Today is Overdose Awareness Day. So far it is another rough year for our region with more than 1,300 overdose events reported to our staff as part of our naloxone program. I know that popular media focuses on overdose as a “scourge,” or sometimes as a public health issue, and often as a set of unfortunate circumstances that befell an individual. But I observe patterns that add up to system failures. As a member of a regional overdose fatality review board, and as the manager of several overdose prevention efforts, I see interruptions in support as a context for many overdoses. A treatment program timed out. A medication was too costly to continue. A friend, partner, or sponsor said that Suboxone was just another addiction (it’s not). A housing program had a deadline for residency. A shelter illegally refused service because they “don’t take people on buprenorphine.” A doctor moved away and there was no replacement. A jail booking made someone lose their insurance.
In many of these scenarios, the person making the declaration or determination did not consider overdose as a consequence of their actions. Like I said, we frame overdose as an individual failing. But if we were talking about diabetes, would these agents be so cavalier about withholding treatment or support?
I think we need to more fully address the context in which we provide care and support for people addicted to opioids. We can all work to create a more caring and client focused environment, to work together to minimize overdose events. It’s time we stop handing over our collective power and start asking how we can help to stop this runaway train of overdose.
I always try to remember that we are talking about people, not numbers, or “addicts” or anyone beyond care. This OAD, I hope you also will try to work on solutions to our crisis. As it is our shared crisis, and no one should feel alone.
—Everett
