Requesting protections for patients who need access to analgesic medications

Attention urgently needed: Restore access to effective, individualized pain care. I am writing today to ask you to review and correct the issues facing citizens in pain, who are often referred to as “the forgotten victims of the overdose crisis.” More than 500 laws, guidelines, policies, and rules have been passed since the CDC published “voluntary guidelines” regarding the use of pain medication. These rules have virtually eliminated the use of opioid pain medications for both acute and chronic pain conditions. This has created a massive crisis for those who require pain management. More than 10 million citizens in the United States have lost access to effective pain care since then. While many hoped this would minimize the rate of overdose events, none of those laws, policies, or rules have helped this issue. Recent data from the CDC shows that overdose deaths have escalated over 1000%. Limiting the use of an entire class of FDA-approved medications has only served to increase patient suffering. Meanwhile, the overdose and illicit fentalogue overdose crises continue unabated. It should be of interest to you that for billions of dollars spent on these “crises”, there has never been an adequate tracking mechanism for addiction or SUD, meaning there is no way to know where we started and how far we have come or fallen. I am asking you, as your constituent, to take steps to ensure compassionate and individualized pain care remains available to those suffering from painful diseases and injuries. The American Medical Association, along with other state and national medical organizations, have spoken out regarding these harms. While we look forward to new and innovative treatments that may emerge from the increased funding provided by Congress in recent years, expecting millions to suffer until some unknown day will continue to increase the same deadly circumstances this initiative is intended to reduce. Thank you for your time.