Breaking Barriers to Substance Use Recovery: A New Initiative to Address Opioid Use Disorder
Washington DC hosted the inaugural meeting of "Breaking Barriers to Substance Use Recovery" coalition
WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / July 9, 2024 / On June 26th, Washington DC hosted the inaugural meeting of "Breaking Barriers to Substance Use Recovery," a pioneering 501(c)(4) organization dedicated to identifying and dismantling the obstacles to effective treatment for opioid use disorder, through advocacy for policy solutions and public educational campaigns that support these critical live-saving objectives. The full roster of the organization's founding members was in attendance, marking a significant step forward in the fight against this pervasive epidemic.
Peter Gratale, the founder of Breaking Barriers to Substance Use Recovery, led the assembly, which included a distinguished panel of experts and leaders in the field:
- Franklin Walker, VP of the NC Medical Society Foundation
- David Reeser, CEO of OpiAID, Inc.
- Reynold Yordy, CTO of The Recovery Platform, LLC
- John Hsu, MD, Co-Founder of IPill, Inc.
- Keivan Ettefagh, PhD, Vice President of Technology and Innovation, Select Lab Partners, Inc.
- Mark White, CEO of Nexalin Technology, Inc.
- David Bolton, M.Ed., Clinical Director of Triad Behavioral Resources, PC
The primary mission of Breaking Barriers to Substance Use Recovery is to identify systemic and social impediments to accessing treatment for opioid use disorder and to advocate for innovative, effective solutions. By bringing together leaders from various sectors of medical and healthcare software, hardware, and data science industries, the organization aims to foster collaboration and develop comprehensive strategies to tackle the opioid crisis.
"Today marks a crucial step in our journey to combat opioid addiction," said Peter Gratale. "Our collective expertise and commitment will drive us to uncover the root causes of barriers to treatment and to promote policies and practices that support recovery and save lives."
The meeting featured discussions on the latest research, treatment methodologies, and technological advancements in the field, as well as an in-depth policy analysis of transformational on-going legislative opportunities that seek to expand access to opioid treatment. Attendees shared insights and experiences, laying the groundwork for a collaborative approach to addressing the complexities of opioid use disorder.
Advocating for Virtual-Based Opioid Treatment
A key focus of Breaking Barriers includes advocacy for 21st century solutions to the opioid crisis, including an expansion of Virtual-Based Opioid Treatment (VBOT), a tested treatment model that can dramatically combat traditional barriers to treatment. The organization endeavors to create a model utilizing innovative virtual technologies and services, providing more accessible, cost-effective, and comprehensive care options for those struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD), especially veterans and those in rural areas. Breaking Barriers looks to also advocate emerging technologies and therapeutic techniques that can be coupled with VBOT, while harnessing AI and data-driven methodologies that provide new insights into treatment success and compliance.
"VBOT offers a revolutionary approach to overcoming barriers such as geographic limitations and stigma," said David Reeser, CEO of OpiAID, Inc., "Our goal is to harness these technologies to ensure everyone has access to the help they need, regardless of their circumstances."
As Breaking Barriers to Substance Use Recovery moves forward, the organization plans to engage nationwide with policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders to implement evidence-based solutions and advocate for necessary changes in legislation and healthcare practices.
Engagement with Legislators
Representatives from Breaking Barriers to Substance Use Recovery also met with several legislators and legislative offices from around the nation to highlight the multifaceted barriers faced by individuals seeking treatment for opioid use disorder. Key issues addressed included stigma, access to care, financial constraints, justice system interactions, social determinants of health, and the impact of past emotional trauma. The organization has retained RK Strategies, Inc., a Virginia lobbying firm focused on transformational health policy issues, to help advance their agenda.
"Engaging with policymakers is crucial to our mission," said Franklin Walker, VP of the North Carolina Medical Society Foundation. "We need legislative support to implement the changes necessary to address these barriers and create a more supportive environment for those in recovery."
For more information about Breaking Barriers to Substance Use Recovery and its initiatives, please contact:
Breaking Barriers to Substance Use Recovery
Phone: (931) 683 - 3637
Email: info@nomorebarriers.org
Website: www.nomorebarriers.org
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Media Contact:
Zach Herrmann
Director of Communications
Phone: (910) 200 - 8447
Email: zherrmann@nomorebarriers.org
Website: www.nomorebarriers.org
SOURCE: Breaking Barriers to Substance Use Recovery
View the original press release on accesswire.com
View the original press release on accesswire.com
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