Addressing the Opioid Overdose Epidemic

Today at 10 a.m. PT, the White House will host a Champions of Change for Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery event to address the current opioid overdose epidemic in America. Over the past month, 191 schools of nursing with advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) programs have pledged to educate their APRN students on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain.

The nursing community is committed to addressing the opioid crisis through education. In addition to today's event, the American Association of College of Nursing, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the American College of Nurse-Midwives, the American Nurses Association, the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties will host a free educational series to teach faculty, students and clinicians the CDC's guideline on opioid addition. This partnership is part of ANA's ongoing work to equip nurses with the skills needed to provide high quality care to patients dealing with addiction.

To watch a live, online streaming of the Champions of Change event, visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/live

To learn more visit: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/news/articles/2016/opioids