The Sandgaard Foundation

Striving to "right the tragic #opioid crisis wrongs" in Baltimore. Maryland is facing a critical moment in the fight against the opioid epidemic, as over 2,400 lives were lost to overdoses last year. A recent $400 million settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors offers hope, providing vital resources for prevention, treatment, and law enforcement efforts. However, Baltimore's decision to pursue separate litigation risked a $100 million shortfall in funding. Thankfully, the city reached timely settlements, ensuring a united, statewide approach to combat the crisis. Maryland must continue its coordinated response to save lives and protect communities. #OpioidCrisis #FentanylCrisis #SaveLives #HarmReduction #EndOverdose Read the entire article here: https://lnkd.in/gHF7bszW

Opioid deaths are down nationwide, but the battle has moved west. "Opioid overdose deaths are finally dropping, with a 10% decrease nationwide in 2023 — and Indiana is leading the charge with an 18% decline. This is a huge step forward in the battle against opioid addiction, but the fight isn't over, especially as Western states like Alaska and Oregon are seeing rising numbers. Indiana's success is thanks to widespread Narcan distribution, expanded treatment options, and increased support for recovery programs. But as we look ahead, we must continue pushing for investment and bipartisan support to keep building on this progress. #OpioidCrisis #RecoveryMatters #HopeForHealing #HarmReduction #Recovery Read the entire article here: https://lnkd.in/gUQvRUj3

NPR: A new way to support grandparents raising kids affected by the opioid epidemic. Alabama is using opioid settlement funds to support "grand families" — grandparents raising their grandchildren due to parental addiction. A new pilot program offers $1,000-$2,000 per family in select counties, though it's just a small step to help ease the financial burden. With opioid addiction often forcing grandparents to step in as caregivers, this initiative is the first of its kind in the U.S. and aims to keep kids out of foster care. Advocates hope other states follow Alabama’s lead in supporting these unsung heroes of the opioid crisis. #OpioidCrisis #Grandfamilies #FamilySupport #HarmReduction #Recovery Read the entire article here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gTyHy5gK

Use of the opioid overdose reversal medication, naloxone (Narcan), by bystanders increased 43% from 2020 to 2022, study finds. Overdose deaths in the U.S. have declined by 3% in 2023, marking the first drop since 2018, according to the CDC. A new study highlights the increased use of naloxone (Narcan) by bystanders as a key factor. From 2020 to 2022, naloxone administration by laypersons rose by 43.5%, while emergency medical services' usage decreased. Naloxone, a life-saving drug that reverses opioid overdoses, is now available over the counter, making it even more accessible. Expanding naloxone access and public education could continue to save lives in the ongoing opioid crisis. #OpioidCrisis #OverdoseAwareness #Naloxone #Narcan #HarmReduction Read the entire article here: https://lnkd.in/eisQbxgv

The opioid crisis has a 'hidden' brain injury epidemic. "We pay a lot of attention to the deaths associated with the toxicity of fentanyl, but what we’re not looking at is all the people who survive overdoses." The opioid crisis is fueling a hidden epidemic of overdose-related brain injuries, particularly hypoxic brain injuries, which occur when the brain is starved of oxygen during an overdose. This type of injury affects memory, decision-making, impulse control, and the ability to recover, trapping many in a cycle of addiction and cognitive decline. As the opioid crisis worsens, brain injuries remain under-recognized but are deeply impacting communities. Reducing access to safe consumption sites, as proposed by some, could lead to more people suffering from irreversible brain damage. Urgent support is needed to protect vulnerable populations. #OpioidCrisis #BrainInjury #HarmReduction #OverdoseAwareness #Recovery #Educate #Inform #SaveLives Read the entire article here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/dN-hA8SY

In-N-Out Burger’s owner to rock out against opioid abuse. Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson, owner of In-N-Out Burger, is stepping up the fight against substance abuse through the #NotAnother campaign, run by the Slave 2 Nothing Foundation. The campaign honors loved ones affected by the opioid epidemic with a digital gallery. As part of the initiative, Lynsi and her husband Sean will perform with their band at a sold-out benefit concert on Oct. 12, featuring the Goo Goo Dolls. In-N-Out is also matching donations 3-to-1 up to $300,000 throughout October. Learn more at slave2nothing.org. #OpioidAwareness #SubstanceAbusePrevention #EndStigma #HarmReduction #Recovery #SaveLives #BandTogether Read the entire article by clicking the following link: https://lnkd.in/gUJ-88TP

PEOPLE Magazine | PEOPLE.com - Lisa Marie Presley Was Taking 80 Pills a Day at Height of Her Opioid Addiction: 'It Was Too Painful to Be Sober.' Lisa Marie Presley’s posthumous memoir "From Here to the Great Unknown" reveals the heartbreaking reality of her opioid addiction, which escalated to 80 pills a day. In her candid writing, Presley describes the struggle she faced following the 2008 birth of her twins and her fight to reclaim sobriety after years of addiction. Her daughter, Riley Keough, reflects on how her mother’s addiction shocked the family and shares the emotional journey of completing the memoir after Lisa Marie’s death. Riley hopes her mother’s story of love, loss, and addiction will help others feel less alone. #AddictionAwareness #OpioidCrisis #LisaMariePresley #OverdosePrevention #HarmReduction #Recovery #SaveLives Read the entire article by clicking the link below: https://lnkd.in/gdrrKkiz

ESPN reporter Lauren Sisler tragically lost both her mom and dad to opioid overdoses — mere hours apart. ESPN sideline reporter Lauren Sisler is known for her positive energy and love for sports, but behind her smile lies a heartbreaking story. She tragically lost both parents to drug overdoses. In her new book, Shatterproof, Lauren bravely shares her journey of overcoming shame, embracing the truth about her parents' opioid addiction, and using her story to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug abuse. She hopes that by speaking out, she can save lives and honor her parents' legacy. #OpioidCrisis #OverdoseAwareness #Shatterproof #Educate #Inform #BandTogether #HarmReduction #EndStigma #EndOverdose #SaveLives Read the entire article here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gGBK-dUH

Virginia recently held its first Regional Recovery Day to support those battling opioid addiction and reduce the stigma around substance use. Keynote speaker Serenity Kirby shared her journey of recovery, inspiring attendees by breaking the cycle of addiction for her family. The event, coordinated by local leaders, connected people with essential recovery resources. Naloxone distribution and support services, made possible through opioid settlement funding, aim to further reduce overdose deaths. The message was clear: help is available, and recovery is possible. #OpioidCrisis #AddictionAwareness #Recovery #EndOverdose #EndStigma #Educate #Inform #HarmReduction #SaveLives Read the entire article here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/ggPUKRqG

Newborns with #opioid withdrawal are more likely to be readmitted after hospital discharge. Newborns exposed to opioids in the womb are at higher risk of hospital readmission within 90 days, according to a study funded by NIH’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). These infants, diagnosed with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS), face increased risks of readmission for causes like trauma, seizures, and maltreatment. The study emphasizes the need for greater medical support and substance abuse treatment for parents, highlighting the ongoing challenges these families face after discharge. #OpioidCrisis #NOWS #OverdoseAwareness #SupportFamilies Read the entire article by clicking the link below: https://lnkd.in/dK2Pz6sE