The opioid crisis remains one of the most challenging public health issues of our time. At Hudson Regional LTC Pharmacy, we’re proud to share that our CEO, Angelo Angerame, recently co-authored a pivotal study focused on combating this epidemic through community-engaged interventions.

This groundbreaking research, conducted across 67 communities in Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio, sought to enhance the adoption of evidence-based practices aimed at reducing opioid-related overdose deaths. Despite implementing 615 strategies, the study found that opioid-related overdose death rates were still alarmingly high, highlighting the complexity of the epidemic and the need for multifaceted and sustained efforts.

Understanding the Findings The study found that opioid-related overdose deaths were 47.2 per 100,000 in the intervention communities versus 51.7 per 100,000 in control groups. This outcome emphasizes that while community-engaged interventions are crucial, they must be part of a broader, sustained effort to combat the crisis effectively.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic The study also shed light on the additional challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which, coupled with a surge in fentanyl-related deaths, has exacerbated the opioid crisis. In 2022 alone, opioid overdose claimed 82,136 lives, marking a drastic increase and demonstrating the urgent need for continued, effective interventions.

The Importance of Collaborative Efforts Angelo Angerame is deeply honored to have contributed to this significant work, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing this public health challenge. At Hudson Regional LTC Pharmacy, we remain dedicated to supporting the expansion of evidence-based practices and policies that can truly make a difference in communities nationwide.

Together, we can make strides toward overcoming the opioid crisis by embracing community-led initiatives and informed, data-driven strategies.