The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is proposing a significant funding cut to its Overdose Data to Action Program (OD2A), which tracks and responds to opioid overdose trends in real-time. The proposed cut would reduce funding by half, impacting local health departments’ ability to provide life-saving services.
According to the Safe States Alliance, states and territories were allocated $279 million for grants to support opioid overdose tracking, prevention, and treatment efforts. However, CDC is seeking to slash $140 million of that amount, threatening to stall the progress made in combating the opioid epidemic.
Local health experts warn that a funding cut would lead to staff layoffs, reduced resources, and fewer services for communities hit hardest by opioid overdoses. “OD2A really enables that coordinated and timely and local action in our communities,” said Sharon Gilmartin, MPH, Executive Director of the Safe States Alliance.
The proposed cuts also affect other critical injury prevention work, including research on adverse childhood experiences, youth violence prevention, firearm injuries, and fall prevention for adults aged 65 and older. The public health community is calling for support from new CDC Director Susan Monarez to address these funding concerns.
Despite the proposed cuts, some states have seen a decrease in fatal overdoses, such as North Carolina, which has implemented measures like distributing Naloxone and raising awareness in communities. However, experts stress that more work needs to be done to combat the ongoing opioid crisis.
As overdose deaths continue to decline, albeit slowly, local health departments are fighting to maintain momentum. With funding at stake, policymakers must take notice of this critical issue and ensure that vital services remain accessible to those who need them most.
Source: https://www.medicaleconomics.com/view/cdc-funding-change-could-stifle-progress-against-opioid-epidemic-public-health-leaders-say