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May 17, 2025
The Appalachia Opioid Remediation (AOR) database catalogues information about how the 13 states of Appalachia are managing and spending funds received from litigation settlements with opioid manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. AOR sends out a weekly newsletter highlighting updates from the database. This week brings a complex picture of the nation’s opioid crisis, combining historic progress with clear reminders that there is still much work to be done. According to new CDC data, overdose deaths fell by 27% in 2024. This marks the steepest one-year drop ever recorded. Communities across the country are beginning to see the impact of expanded access to naloxone, increased treatment availability, and early investments of opioid settlement funds. These are hopeful signs that efforts at every level are making a real difference. At the same time, new research suggests that the crisis may be even more widespread than we thought. A RAND and USC study found that illicit opioid use, including fentanyl, may be up to 20 times higher than previously estimated. Nearly one in ten U.S. adults surveyed reported using illicit opioids in the past year, far exceeding current government data. The researchers emphasize the need for faster, more accurate tracking to better understand and respond to emerging trends. The message is clear: we are making progress, but there are still critical blind spots. Sustained investments in prevention, harm reduction, and real-time data are essential to maintain momentum.
Here's the link to their newsletters: AOR Newsletter - Appalachia Opioid Remediation Database