CDC’s Role in the Opioid Overdose Epidemic
CDC improves patient safety by providing healthcare providers with the resources they need to improve opioid prescribing. CDC offers health systems and providers tools, recommendations, and guidance for decision-making based on proven practices.
CDC raises awareness about the risks of opioid misuse and abuse empowering the people to make safe choices. CDC created the Rx Awareness campaign to educate everyone about the dangers and risks of prescription opioids.
States are critical in preventing opioid overdoses. CDC works to support states with funding, resources, and information to prevent risks of opioid use disorder, overdose, and death while ensuring patients have access to safer and more effective pain treatment.
First responders and public safety including police, fire, and paramedics are on the frontlines of the epidemic. CDC is working to improve communication and collaboration between public health and public safety.
CDC seeks to improve data quality and track trends in order to better understand and quickly respond to the epidemic. CDC collects and analyzes data on opioid-related overdoses to better identify problematic areas and evaluate prevention efforts.
