New Hampshire Sets a Standard in Addressing the Opioid Epidemic Amid National Crisis

The opioid crisis in the United States has reached alarming levels, with addiction and overdose deaths continuing to rise. To effectively combat this public health emergency, decisive action and proven solutions are essential. Unfortunately, a considerable portion of the funds earmarked for fighting this crisis remains untapped, sitting idly in government treasuries.

This funding does not come from taxpayers; it represents part of a legal settlement made by companies found liable for exacerbating the opioid crisis. In January, Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family significantly increased their contribution to $7.4 billion, intended to offer some restitution to communities afflicted by addiction. However, many states and local jurisdictions hesitate to expend these funds.

All states have resources available for distribution. Since 2021, manufacturers and distributors of legal opioids, along with some pharmacies, have committed approximately $50 billion in settlements. Despite this influx of funding, many communities remain without the support they desperately need.

Proven Leadership in New Hampshire

As a former governor of New Hampshire for eight years, my primary focus was on prompt action against the opioid crisis. While we may not possess all the answers to addiction, our state has made significant strides while national progress has faltered.

Upon taking office in 2017, New Hampshire boasted the second-highest opioid overdose death rate in the nation. Since then, our overdose death rate has decreased by over 30%, while the national average continued to rise. Currently, we rank twenty-second in terms of overdose deaths, with the lowest rate in New England. Recently, for the first time in years, the national opioid death rate has shown signs of decline.

A Responsive Approach to Treatment

When I assumed leadership, inexpensive heroin and opioid pills were rampant, leaving those seeking recovery without immediate help. Treatment waiting lists extended beyond six weeks. To turn the tide, I engaged directly with those on the front lines of the crisis, seeking solutions to reach addicts promptly after an overdose. Timely intervention was critical; without immediate treatment options, many individuals fell back into destructive patterns.

Two transformative initiatives propelled our success. Starting in 2019, we implemented The Doorway program, a comprehensive approach to treatment grounded in a crucial insight: accessibility was the greatest obstacle for those in need, particularly in rural areas. Addiction rates surged in these communities, while resources remained concentrated in urban centers, inaccessible to the average citizen.

Enhancing Accessibility with Regional Support

The Doorway program established nine regional locations across New Hampshire, ensuring that help is always within an hour’s reach. Primarily funded through the federal State Opioid Response grant, we expanded the use of crucial medications, peer support systems, and preventive measures. In the first six months alone, over 3,200 individuals sought assistance through the Doorway, and monthly participation steadily increased. By destigmatizing addiction and streamlining the process for seeking help, this initiative effectively reduced both overdoses and fatalities.

Community Preparedness and Naloxone Distribution

Recognizing that law enforcement and treatment professionals cannot be omnipresent, we allocated more than $3 million to distribute naloxone—an opioid overdose reversal drug—widely. Early in my administration, we understood that if our streets were inundated with lethal substances like fentanyl, we needed to counteract this with lifesaving medications.

Legislative changes were also made to empower all first responders—firefighters and police alike—to administer naloxone without fear of liability or required training. New Hampshire became the first state to place NaloxBoxes in public venues, providing access to naloxone for both first responders and bystanders who might witness an overdose. Our Good Samaritan laws have enabled numerous situations where bystanders administered naloxone before professional help arrived, thus saving lives.

Ken Trogdon, director of the nonprofit HarborPath, stresses the critical importance of naloxone access. He asserts that as a country, we must ensure this life-saving treatment is readily available for anyone in potential need, which essentially means it should be ubiquitous.

A Call for Action Nationwide

As states prepare to receive approximately $6 billion from the comprehensive opioid settlements, reports indicate that up to half of these funds remain unallocated. This is unacceptable. I urge governors and mayors across the nation to act decisively, think creatively, and adopt result-oriented solutions akin to those implemented in New Hampshire. The measures we have undertaken are effective, and it is crucial that states nationwide fully commit to this battle. The fight against the opioid crisis requires unwavering dedication and proactive strategies.

Unified Efforts for a Brighter Future

The opioid epidemic demands a united response. By leveraging available resources and enacting well-considered strategies, we can combat this crisis effectively. New Hampshire provides a model for action, proving that decisive leadership and innovative solutions can indeed save lives. The lives of those affected hang in the balance, and it is paramount that we respond with both urgency and compassion.