Double Trouble: The Opioid Epidemic Meets COVID-19 (OPIOID)


The opioid epidemic has posed a significant public health challenge in the United States for decades, with the COVID-19 pandemic further complicating the crisis. Despite extensive efforts to reduce opioid overdose deaths, the death toll continues to rise. In this presentation, we aim to explore the impact of the pandemic on the opioid epidemic, including the disruption of access to prevention, treatment, and harm reduction services, the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, and the changes in drug market dynamics resulting in riskier drug use behaviors. The purpose of this presentation is to identify the urgent need for effective prevention and treatment strategies that address the complex social, economic, and behavioral factors driving the opioid epidemic.

Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:

  1. Recognize the economic, health, and societal impact of the opioid epidemic before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
  2. Identify the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to programs and initiatives aimed at addressing the opioid epidemic.
  3. Examine the interplay of the pandemic and social determinants of health, disproportionately escalating the opioid epidemic in vulnerable populations.

Statement of Accreditation
The Texas Osteopathic Medical Association (TOMA) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. TOMA designates is program for a maximum of .75 AOA Category 1-A credits and will report CME credits commensurate with the extent of the physician’s participation in this activity.

Grievance Policy
All grievances may be directed to TOMA's Executive Director at toma@txosteo.org. All grievances will receive an initial response within 30 days of receipt.  If the participant does not receive a satisfactory response, they can submit a complaint to the Bureau of Osteopathic Education of the AOA at 142 East Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60611.