American Medical Technology Coalition Forms Task Force to Combat Opioid Crisis

The American Medical Technology Coalition (AMTC) has announced the formation of the Opioid Addiction Deterrence Task Force (OADTF), a new initiative aimed at tackling the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States. This task force brings together experts, healthcare professionals, and technology innovators to develop and implement advanced solutions for preventing opioid addiction and supporting recovery efforts.

The opioid epidemic continues to be a significant public health concern in the United States. In 2023, approximately 150 million opioid prescriptions were dispensed, enough for 46.7% of Americans to receive one. The high number of prescriptions, combined with issues such as overprescribing and polypharmacy, underscores the need for close clinical monitoring to manage pain while reducing the risk of addiction and dependence.

Shane Bishop, CEO of Custom Health and Executive Director of the AMTC, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Our goal is to harness the power of medical technology to deter addiction through safe, accountable use of prescription medication and rapid access to support systems for those affected by opioid use disorder."

The OADTF will focus on several key areas to address the opioid crisis comprehensively. These include developing innovative deterrence technologies, implementing enhanced treatment solutions, engaging in policy advocacy, and raising awareness about the risks of opioid addiction.

Nick Egahos, CEO of Persona Informatics, highlighted the role of advanced data transformation in creating valuable datasets that drive improved health outcomes. He noted that structured, standardized data forms the foundation for high-value operations like machine learning and AI, which can enhance the ability to address pressing healthcare issues.

Mike Palackdharry, CEO of Healent, expressed his company's commitment to the task force as a core technology partner. Healent, a leader in AI-driven clinical intelligence for pain management, aligns with the task force's vision to reduce opioid impacts.

Dr. Kyle Young, CEO of Commonwealth Pain & Spine, emphasized the unique nature of this collaboration between clinicians, lawmakers, and medical technology experts. He expressed enthusiasm for the potential progress that can be made with combined resources to improve the lives of chronic pain patients managed with opioids.

The OADTF plans to launch congressional and federal briefings this summer, focusing on accelerated opioid addiction deterrence strategies rooted in cutting-edge research, technology, and a solutions-based approach. These briefings aim to inform policymakers and advocate for regulations that support effective opioid addiction deterrence and treatment strategies.

This initiative by the American Medical Technology Coalition represents a significant step towards addressing the opioid crisis through a multi-faceted approach. By leveraging advanced medical technologies and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, the OADTF aims to make a substantial impact on preventing opioid addiction and supporting recovery efforts across the nation.

For more information about the American Medical Technology Coalition and its initiatives, visit www.medtechcoalition.org/contact-us.