Every day, hospitals and health systems see the effects of the nation's opioid epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 33,000 people died from an opioid-related overdose in 2015. That's more than 90 people a day or approximately four people each hour. There are also financial implications due to increased health care and substance use disorder treatment costs, lost productivity and costs to the criminal justice system, estimated to be $78.5 billion in 2016. Across the U.S., hospitals and health systems are working to address this public health crisis. To help in their efforts, the American Hospital Association developed this toolkit to provide guidance and resources to hospitals and health systems on how to work with patients, clinicians and communities to stem the opioid epidemic. From working on the front lines of the emergency department to connecting patients with treatment and recovery resources in their communities, the nation's hospitals and health systems are partnering with community organizations and providers to address the opioid epidemic on a daily basis.
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