In 2019, the federal government launched the HEALing Communities Study to reduce opioid overdoses by 40% using evidence-based interventions. However, data published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that communities did not see a significant reduction in overdose deaths. Only 38% of planned interventions were implemented due to the Covid-19 pandemic. While the study did not meet its goal, it laid the groundwork for future action. Federal health officials see it as a partial victory, stressing the need for new approaches to address the changing drug landscape. The study highlighted the importance of implementing proven strategies to save lives.
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Ambitious federal study did not curb opioid overdose deaths
