The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services kicked off a two-day intensive convening of representatives from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. focused on preventing opioid overdose and opioid use disorder.

The convening will focus specifically on improving opioid prescribing practices, increasing access to naloxone and expanding the use of medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT is a comprehensive way to address the needs of individuals that combines the use of medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. Nevertheless, existing evidence shows that this lifesaving, evidence-based treatment is under-utilized.

HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell announced that HHS will move to expand access to MAT by revising the regulations related to the prescribing of buprenorphine to treat opioid dependence. She also announced $1.8 million in awards to rural communities to expand access to naloxone – a drug that reverses an opioid overdose.

"The opioid epidemic knows no boundaries; it touches lives in cities, rural counties and suburban neighborhoods across the country," said Secretary Burwell. "That’s why it’s so important that we come together – both state and federal leaders - and take a coordinated and comprehensive approach to address this crisis. We all have a role to play and fortunately we share common ground and a common commitment to end this crisis."

In 2013, overdoses from prescription opioid pain relievers claimed more than 16,200 lives, with more than 145,000 people dying from these overdoses in the last decade. Heroin deaths have also been climbing sharply, more than doubling between 2010 and 2013. The resulting health, social and economic consequences for communities across the country are enormous.