The National Academies are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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In the face of the unprecedented challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying global public health emergency, the National Academy of Medicine’s Action Collaborative on Countering the U.S. Opioid Epidemic is giving its attention to this issue.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to our nation and the world. Many are working tirelessly to protect the health and well-being of individuals with substance use disorders and/or who experience pain—patient populations who are at high risk of contracting COVID-19 or having their continuum of care seriously disrupted during this outbreak.

The National Academy of Medicine’s Action Collaborative on Countering the U.S. Opioid Epidemic is focusing on this critical issue and remains wholly committed to supporting the health and well-being of individuals with substance use disorders and who experience pain.

The following resources offer more information on how to support patients and the clinicians who treat and manage the care of patients with substance use disorder and/or who experience pain during public health emergencies, including the COVID-19 response. 

Resources from the NAM’s Action Collaborative on Countering the U.S. Opioid Epidemic

Supporting People with Addiction During COVID-19: A Free Webinar Series

A new webinar series from the NAM and the American Society of Addiction Medicine will provide insight and targeted guidance on how to ensure that individuals with addiction are cared for and protected during the ongoing public health crisis.

Learn more about the free webinar series>>

New Statement of Priorities for COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating ongoing public health emergencies, including the addiction crisis in the United States. During these challenging times, the National Academy of Medicine’s Action Collaborative on Countering the U.S. Opioid Epidemic remains wholly committed to supporting the health and well-being of individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs), including opioid use disorder, and chronic pain. These individuals are among the most at risk and susceptible to COVID-19, and their care and treatment are among the most disrupted by physical distancing and other measures that have been put into place to prevent the spread of the virus.

Members of the Action Collaborative’s Steering Committee have identified a series of priorities and strategies for providers, health systems, researchers, policymakers, regulators, and health leaders alike to preserve the health and well-being of individuals with SUD and chronic pain.

Read the full statement>>

Resources on Addiction and Pain Management Services During COVID-19 by Source

Associations and Organizations

Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education

COVID-19 Educator Resources: Continuing Education Tips and Tools
COVID-19 Clinician Resources: Continuing Education and Clinical Resources Organized by Topic

American Academy of Family Physicians

COVID-19 Resources, Activities, and Updates for Primary Care Physicians

American Academy of Pain Medicine

COVID-19 Resources for Pain Medicine Professionals

American College of Physicians

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Information for Internists [Collated Resources Page]
COVID-19: An ACP Physician’s Guide + Resources

American Medical Association

Patient care for SUD, mental illness, chronic pain during COVID-19

American Society of Addiction Medicine (Updated 9/22/2020)

Caring for Patients During the COVID-19 Resources
Covid-19: Adjusting Drug Testing Protocols
Covid-19: Ensuring Access to Care in Opioid Treatment Programs
Covid-19: Infection Control and Mitigation Strategies in Residential Treatment Facilities
Covid-19: Infection Mitigation in Outpatient Settings
Covid-19: Promoting Support Group Attendance
Covid-19: Supporting Access to Buprenorphine in Office-Based Settings
Covid-19: Supporting Access to Telehealth for Addiction Services: Regulatory Overview and General Practice Considerations

American Society of Anethesiologists

The Use of Personal Protective Equipment by Anesthesia Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

Perioperative Considerations for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Association of American Medical Colleges

Clinical Teaching and Learning Experiences without Physical Patient Contact
Collaborative Student Volunteer and Service Projects with Health Systems and Medical Schools

Association of State and Territorial Health Officials

ASTHO COVID-19 Resource Page
     Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Guidance During COVID-19
     Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences During COVID-19
     Avoiding ACEs by Helping Families During COVID-19

Federation of State Medical Boards

State and Federal Resources for Advocacy, Legislation, and Regulation

Kaiser Family Foundation

The Implications of COVID-19 for Mental Health and Substance Use

National Governors Association

State Strategies to Support Access to Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services through the COVID-19 Pandemic

For questions on the Action Collaborative on Countering the U.S. Opioid Epidemic’s response to COVID-19, contact OpioidCollaborative@nas.edu.  

Join our COVID-19 and Infectious Diseases and U.S. Opioid Epidemic mailing lists for related updates. 


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