Purpose of review: In light of the current crisis in opioid involved overdose deaths, the federal Department of Health and Human Services operating divisions are working together to implement a data-driven, research-based strategy to reduce opioid misuse and its consequences.
Recent findings: The strategy has five elements: (1) strengthening public health data collection and reporting; (2) advancing the practice of pain management; (3) improving access to addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery support services; (4) increasing availability of overdose-reversing drugs; and (5) supporting cutting-edge research in treatment of pain, opioid use disorder, and associated conditions. The Department of Health and Human Services has developed a concerted, coordinated evidence-based effort across department divisions to reduce opioid misuse, prevalence of opioid use disorder, and reduce deaths due to opioid use.
Keywords: Federal response; HIV; Opioid epidemic.