The Opioid Epidemic: Task-Shifting in Health Care and the Case for Access to Harm Reduction for People Who Use Drugs

Abstract

We are sadly experiencing unprecedented levels of overdose mortalities attributed to the increased availability of synthetic opioids in illegal markets. While the majority of attention in North America has focused on preventing drug overdose cases through the distribution and administration of naloxone, in addition to stricter regulations of opioid prescriptions and greater law enforcement in illegal markets, little attention has been given to other alternative models and treatments for people who use drugs that are tailored specifically to the health care needs of this marginalized population. Through this analysis, the implications of task-shifting in health care via the distribution of naloxone for an already marginalized population are discussed. Alternatively, the role of pioneering harm-reduction programs – such as supervised injection/consumption sites, a variety of opioids maintenance therapies, and social-structural interventions – are highlighted as crucial interventions in the current ongoing opioid crisis. Moreover, people with lived experiences of illegal drug use are discussed as having a pivotal role but being ultimately overshadowed by public health partners.

A new innovative method to measure the cost of war: future with fewer conflicts via harm reduction approaches

“…Harm reduction has been an evidence-based approach to health care where more pragmatic avenues are considered to reduce harm to patients. The harm-reduction approach traces its history to the HIV outbreak of the 1980s where a community driven, practical, and pragmatic approach based on the principles of low-barrier access to public health was conceived [ 3 ]. The harm reduction philosophy is based on the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion aimed at establishing and improving access and availability of care so that an immediate risk of harm is mitigated [ 3 ].…”

“…These risk reduction efforts have played major roles in the public health policies of many nations for centuries; for example, the malaria reduction strategies via the draining of swamps in ancient Rome, harm reduction strategies for HIV prevention amongst marginalized populations, and current air pollution reduction strategies [ 4 – 6 ]. More recent developments in the realm of harm reduction includes supervised consumption facilities that prevent drug overdose deaths while simultaneously linking clients to health care professionals such as nurses, social workers, and doctors [ 3 ]. The above noted risk/harm reduction practices have demonstrated effective public health approaches for preventing premature death, disability, and disease [ 4 – 6 ].…”

A new innovative method to measure the cost of war: Future with fewer conflicts via harm reduction approaches

“…These risk reduction efforts have played major roles in the public health policies of many nations for centuries; for example, the malaria reduction strategies via the draining of swamps in ancient Rome, harm reduction strategies for HIV prevention amongst marginalized populations, and current air pollution reduction strategies [4][5][6]. More recent developments in the realm of harm reduction includes supervised consumption facilities that prevent drug overdose deaths while simultaneously linking clients to health care professionals such as nurses, social workers, and doctors [3]. The above noted risk/harm reduction practices have demonstrated effective public health approaches for preventing premature death, disability, and disease [4][5][6].…”