“What Models Can Tell Us About Ending the Opioid Crisis”: Research by Benjamin Linas, M.D., M.P.H.

The goal of the HEALing Communities Study, part of the NIH HEAL Initiative®, is to reduce overdose deaths by 40% in four regions heavily affected by the opioid crisis. Benjamin P. Linas, M.D., M.P.H., used simulation models to identify combinations of interventions that can help communities achieve this goal. His research, presented at the 2022 HEAL Investigator Meeting, demonstrates that only a combination of increased availability of the overdose-reversal drug naloxone, enhanced use of medications for opioid use disorder, and longer treatment retention can achieve this goal. His research also indicated that it is important to expand the number of sites where people with opioid use disorder can start treatment. Learn more about the HEALing Communities Study at heal.nih.gov/research/research-to-practice/healing….

• #science_technology
• #nih
• #heal_initiative
• #prevention
• #opioid_use_disorder
• #overdose_deaths
• #naloxone
• #moud
• #treatment_retention
• #treatment_initiation