The Elm

On Dec. 7, Jerome Adams, U.S. surgeon general, discussed the opioid crisis facing our nation. He highlighted the risk of substances, such as fentanyl, and how this epidemic is a "once in a generation type of problem" that affects all geographies, socioeconomic levels, and ages. Adams also released the Opioid Misuse Prevention digital postcard, which emphasizes the importance of educating others on pain treatments and understanding addiction. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2018 Annual Surveillance Report of Drug-Related Risks and Outcomes reports that 17,000 deaths related to prescription overdose have occurred in 2018. Read the full CDC report.