Study of Colorado’s efforts to reverse opioid epidemic

The American Medical Association (AMA), Colorado Medical Society (CMS) and Manatt Health released a report today that shows Colorado has implemented meaningful reforms in response to the opioid epidemic though further steps are needed to save even more lives.  

The Colorado spotlight analysis found that progress is being made to increase access to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders, several pilot projects have improved care for patients with pain, and increased access to the opioid overdose-reversing drug naloxone has resulted in thousands of lives saved.

“We conducted this analysis because it’s essential that policymakers know what is working, and where additional progress can be made,” said AMA President-elect Dr. Patrice A. Harris, who also chairs the AMA Opioid Task Force. “Colorado has implemented many important policies that are impacting patients’ access to care. Using this momentum, we think Colorado can go even further to save lives of those affected by opioid use disorder.”