America’s growing spate of addiction and overdose deaths related to prescription and illicit opioids began almost 40 years ago with the formation of a slow-growing fissure among members of the medical community about limitations on the use of opioids for pain relief. This reluctance to use opioids for non-cancer pain completely dissolved by the time OxyContin—a new and potent opioid painkiller—hit the market for pain management. It was purported to feature low risk for addiction, which proved to be inaccurate.
Second chances make communities safer and the state’s workforce stronger
April is Second Chance Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness of the numerous harmful collateral consequences of a criminal conviction and unlock opportunities for people impacted by the criminal justice system. This month is a reminder of the importance of removing those barriers while we continue to advance evidence-based policies that can safely lower...