Ending the Opioid Epidemic — A Call to Action

Clinicians, writes Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, have a responsibility to help address the U.S. opioid epidemic, by sharpening prescribing practices, using drug monitoring programs, treating opioid-use disorder, and changing how our society sees addiction. On August 24, 2016, I mailed a letter and pocket card (see figure) to 2.3 million doctors, nurses, dentists, and other clinicians asking them to help address America’s escalating opioid epidemic. It was the first time in the 145-year history of the Office of the Surgeon General that such a letter was issued specifically to medical professionals calling them to action. The letter and pocket card are part of a larger campaign — Turn The Tide Rx — that also includes an online pledge for clinicians, educational resources, and an invitation to share experiences with colleagues about how to address . . .