Miriam Komaromy’s Post

This article, by H V Nguyen and colleagues, raises concerning questions about the "safer opioid supply" program implemented in British Columbia. This population-level study found that the implementation of the program was associated with a 63% relative increase in opioid-related hospitalizations, and no decline in overdose deaths. Similar patterns were not found in comparison provinces that did not implement a safer supply program.

Revealing article by Robert Jackler and Pam Ling on the funding of Medscape Continuing Medical Education (CME) (ACGME approved) by Phillip Morris, the tobacco industry giant.

Smoking now outpaces injecting as the primary route of substance use associated with overdose, according to some data; but this likely reflects a marked shift nationally from injection to smoking substances, rather than a higher overdose risk from smoking compared with injection. Overall, switching to smoking appears to be an effective harm-reduction strategy, particularly for reducing the risk of infection, compared with injection. Katherine Dunham, MPH, Abdullah Shihipar, and Brandon D.L. Marshall argue that policy needs to keep up. For instance, DOHHS and ONDCP should start permitting federal funds to be used to buy harm reduction supplies to reduce the risk of infection transmission while smoking. They also point out some of the gaps in our knowledge about smoking substances, particularly in the realm of understanding the needs and preferences of people who use substances.

Great interview with MPHA deputy director Oami Amarasingham on why we need to pass legislation to legalize Overdose Prevention Centers in MA.

Great news! The Sackler family will be held accountable for their role in the countless needless deaths from opioid overdose in the US.

Great news that MassPort is not being allowed to massively expand the Hanscom private jet airport. Private jets are among the most polluting forms of transportation. They create a shocking quantity of greenhouse gases. Congratulations to Extinction Rebellion and other activists who made the public aware of these issues, and fought back.

Valuable just-published data from Edward V. Nunes et al showing that injectable long-acting buprenorphine is more effective than sublingual buprenorphine in people who use fentanyl.

So proud of Raquel Silveira, MBA, Grayken Administrative Manager, who just graduated from BMC’s Pathways program for leadership development. Shown here (on the right) as a fabulous duo with Carla B. M. , Grayken Behavioral Health Director. I am lucky to work with such an incredible team!

Yesterday I had the pleasure of presenting at the "New England Homeless Summit", organized by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). I spoke about the importance of providing low-barrier housing that includes services to help prevent overdose, so that people who have substance use disorders are able to obtain a safe, private place to live. I was joined by Mr. Henry I. Och, MBA PMP, CEO of Harbor Care, and Dr. Aura Obando who directs the Family Team at Boston Health Care for the Homeless. The panel was moderated by Mr. Phillip McKeough, HUD Director of Community Planning and Development for Connecticut

Wow! Vermont actually did it. Great leadership from those brave legislators.