By Kameshia Rogers, Contributing Columnist
In the last decade, the United States has faced a harrowing public health crisis that has wounded communities and claimed countless lives. The opioid epidemic, fueled by the widespread misuse of prescription painkillers and the rise of illicit substances like fentanyl and xylazine, has left a trail of devastation in its wake. In cities like Detroit, the impact of this epidemic has been particularly severe. It is imperative that we shed light on the ongoing struggles and efforts to combat this crisis.
The statistics surrounding the opioid epidemic are staggering. Over the past decade, Detroit has witnessed a sharp increase in opioid-related overdoses and fatalities. According to the Macomb County Opioid Community Health Assessment, the drug death rate grew faster in Michigan over the last two decades than it did across the entire country, tripling in our state alone. We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the grim reality that more than 1,600 Michiganders have lost their lives to opioid overdose so far this year, and the year isn’t over yet.
Bear in mind, these numbers are not mere statistics. Instead, they represent the staggering number of individuals, their families, and entire communities that have been forever altered by addiction.
While opioid addiction is a national problem, we feel it significantly right here in Michigan. It’s getting worse, but there are things we can do to fight it together. I am proud to work for Community Medical Services (CMS), a comprehensive opioid addiction treatment provider for those struggling with opioid use disorder. At CMS, we strive to eliminate the consequences of substance use and to help our patients navigate the continuum of care without the discrimination and stigma they may otherwise face as a result of their disorder. Through CMS, patients have access to medical services and tools, such as medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and overdose reversal medications.
We’re not alone. There are a wide variety of resources available to those struggling with opioid use disorder in the Detroit area. Quality Behavioral Health, Detroit Recovery Project, and All Well-Being Services are just a few of the many organizations that also provide services and treatment to those struggling with opioid addiction. Many of these organizations offer these services for free or at a low cost, and together our organizations share the goal of achieving affordability and accessibility for everyone.
There are steps we’re taking to try to be part of the solution. CMS initiatives include the launch of Recovery Connect, an app that connects patients to their counselor and provides them with tools to stay on the right path to recovery. We also partner with Access Community Health and Research Center to have an Access Mobile Clinic van stationed at different Detroit area CMS facilities the first week of each month. This partnership aims to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility for individuals struggling with addiction by delivering critical services directly to underserved communities. The Access Van is a testament to the power of community-driven solutions, which we will need more of as we battle this epidemic.
We must acknowledge the progress made in the fight against the opioid epidemic, while recognizing that there is still much work left to be done. We must continue to educate our community about addiction and treatment, and work to break the stigmas surrounding opioid use disorder and medication-assisted treatment. Together, we can turn the tide on the opioid epidemic and build a future where recovery is not just a dream, but a reality for every individual.
Kameshia Rogers is a Regional Operations Director for Community Medical Services, a leading national provider of medication-assisted treatment and psycho-social interventions for those suffering from opioid use disorder.
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