Tammy Le’s Post

# Trainwreck Inc. Petition for a Convention of States ## Title: Petition to Call for a Convention of States to Address the Opiate Pandemic and Ensure Adequate Funding for Trainwreck Inc. ## To: The Honorable Stuart Adams, Utah State Senator ## From: Laecie Laree Horn, Trainwreck Inc. ## Contact: Laecie Laree Horn, Trainwreck Inc., 801-674-6367 ## Date: May 30, 2024 ## Subject: Request for a Convention of States Pursuant to Article V of the U.S. Constitution --- ### Introduction: We, the undersigned citizens of the State of Utah, and members of Trainwreck Inc., are calling for a Convention of States to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution. This call is in response to the devastating impact of the opiate pandemic and the urgent need to ensure adequate funding for Trainwreck Inc. Our goal is to address the root causes of the opiate crisis organizations like Trainwreck Inc. that play a critical The purpose of this convention is to address systemic issues within our federal government that have contributed to the opiate pandemic and ensure that organizations like Trainwreck Inc. receive the necessary funding to carry out their mission. Specifically, we aim to address: 1. Inadequate regulation of pharmaceutical companies and the healthcare industry. 2. Insufficient resources for addiction treatment and recovery programs. 3. Lack of oversight and accountability in government agencies responsible for addressing drug abuse. 4. Failure to allocate funding to organizations like Trainwreck Inc. despite substantial settlements from pharmaceutical companies. ### Reasons for- The opiate pandemic has ravaged our communities and claimed countless lives. Trainwreck Inc. has been at the forefront of providing support and resources to individuals affected by addiction. 2. **Lack of Funding for Trainwreck Inc.:** - Despite settlements totaling more than $62 billion from pharmaceutical companies, Trainwreck Inc. has not received the necessary funding to fulfill its mission. This negligence has hindered our ability to effectively combat the opiate crisis and provide vital services to those in need. ### Proposed Amendments: We propose that the convention of states consider the following amendments: 1. **Mandatory Funding Allocation:** - Amend the constitution to require a portion of settlements from pharmaceutical companies to be allocated to organizations like Trainwreck Inc. for addiction treatment and prevention programs. 2. **Increased Oversight and Accountability:** - Establish mechanisms for oversight and accountability to ensure that funds allocated We believe that a Convention of States is the most effective and lawful means to address these critical issues and prevent further neglect of organizations like Trainwreck Inc. that are on the front lines of the opiate crisis. We urge you, as our elected representative, to support this call for a convention and take the necessary steps to make it a reality. ### Signatures:

Addressing the Opioid Crisis: How the Support Act Aims to Restore Hope and Healing The SUPPORT Act is a comprehensive response to the opioid crisis in the US. It focuses on reducing the impact of fentanyl, reauthorizing support for substance use disorder treatment, regulating xylazine, and ensuring Medicaid access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT). The Act also addresses the needs of pregnant and postpartum women, and has support from healthcare workers and law enforcement. It represents a significant step in tackling the opioid epidemic. For more details please click the link! https://lnkd.in/dVEhDW6Q #marketaccess #reimbursement #pricing #hta #heor #healtheconomics #medicaldevices #pharmaceutical

We tested a formulation of MDMA, a psychedelic compound, within the VA. It is now in national clinical trials. Unfortunately, it's paired with an antidepressant- an SSRI, which many can't take. But the initial data out of the VA were astounding. Over 70% reported a significant decrease in PTSD symptoms. In Italy and Spain-trials of psilocybin. But we never pay attention to excellent foreign trials. Or innovations in mental health. It's too bad. Why don't we? Possibly in regard to prescription compunds, it's because of the death grip Big Pharma has- on the doctors (the AMA is just a lobbying group), and on politicians- they lobby fiercely and contribute. It's high time the US/DSHS established a Working Group, examining Best Ptactices that have been developed elsewhere. I hope to write and publish an article about mental health advances that leave us in the dust, by other countries. #psychelic #pharna #mentalhealth #lobbying #goverment #mentalillness

“House members recently approved the Senate measure, that seeks to set up an eight-person psychedelic-assisted therapy working group, with amendments. Vermont Senators gave the green light to the revised language of the bill on Friday, approving changes previously made in the state House of Representatives. The bill, S.114, from Sen. Martine Larocque Gulick (D) was first passed in the Senate, before the amendments in the House would “review the latest research and evidence of the public health benefits and risks of clinical psychedelic-assisted treatments” and “examine the laws and programs of other states that have authorized the use of psychedelics by health care providers in a therapeutic setting.” Discover our mission, donate to our research, or sponsor a veteran(s) or veteran family at Heroic Hearts Project, a non-profit connecting struggling veterans & spouses to ayahuasca, psilocybin other psychedelic therapy options in countries or states where they are legal to heal their mental traumas from war. #mentalhealth, #veterans #ptsdrecovery, #suicideprevention #plantmedicine #psychedelicassistedtherapy #indigenoushealingtraditions #sacredmedicine #ayahuasca #psilocybin #ibogaine #neuroplasticity #neurogenesis #heroicheartsproject #heroicheartsuk

The Value of Drug Treatment For every £1 invested in drug treatment, society saves approximately £4. This figure is based on evidence from studies conducted in the UK, which demonstrate that effective drug treatment programs significantly reduce crime rates, healthcare costs, and the need for other social services. The UK's National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse has found that drug treatment is highly cost-effective. Multiple studies corroborate this claim, indicating similar savings through reduced criminal activity, fewer hospital admissions, and decreased dependency on social services. ### Financial Impact of Drug Addiction In 2010, it was estimated that each drug addict costs society over £50,000 per year. This figure includes costs associated with crime (law enforcement, court proceedings, and property damage), healthcare (emergency services and treatment for drug-related health issues), social services, and lost productivity. When individuals enter and maintain recovery, these costs are significantly reduced as the likelihood of reoffending, hospital visits, and other costly interventions diminishes over time. ### Jericho House's Contribution By helping residents achieve sustained recovery, Jericho House has had a substantial financial impact. If we estimate that Jericho House has contributed to 300 cumulative years of recovery, the savings to society could exceed £15 million.( One picture ) These savings are not just financial; they reflect reduced crime, healthier communities, and individuals living meaningful, productive lives free from the grips of addiction. ### The Importance of Continued Support These findings highlight the importance of investing in drug treatment programs like those offered by Jericho House. Such investments are not only compassionate but also fiscally responsible. Supporting recovery programs is a crucial component of a comprehensive public health strategy that promotes safer, healthier, and economically stable communities. ### Conclusion Investing in recovery is a win-win for individuals and society. The work of Jericho House has shown that sustained recovery leads to significant savings and better community outcomes. Continued support for recovery services is essential to maximize these benefits, making our society safer, healthier, and more vibrant.

NPR Exclusive: U.S. overdose deaths plummet, saving thousands of lives https://lnkd.in/gPuDhhCr For the first time in decades, public health data shows a sudden and hopeful drop in drug overdose deaths across the U.S. "This is exciting," said Dr. Nora Volkow, head of the National Institute On Drug Abuse [NIDA], the federal laboratory charged with studying addiction. "This looks real. This looks very, very real." National surveys compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention already show an unprecedented decline in drug deaths of roughly 10.6 percent. That's a huge reversal from recent years when fatal overdoses regularly increased by double-digit percentages. Some researchers believe the data will show an even larger decline in drug deaths when federal surveys are updated to reflect improvements being seen at the state level, especially in the eastern U.S. "In the states that have the most rapid data collection systems, we’re seeing declines of twenty percent, thirty percent," said Dr. Nabarun Dasgupta, an expert on street drugs at the University of North Carolina…(see link for full article).

Open Consultation: Proposals to Expand Access to Take-Home Naloxone Supplies   The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, in relation to England and Wales and Scotland, and in conjunction with the Department of Health NI in relation to Northern Ireland (pursuant to Section 45(1) of the Medicines and Medical Devices Act 2021), is seeking views on the proposal to amend the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 to expand the number of services, professionals and organisations that are able to supply naloxone without a prescription – a drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, and therefore can help to prevent overdose deaths.   This follows on from a consultation held in 2021. Since this consultation was held, there have been a number of changes to the drugs landscape. These proposals are being considered as a matter of public health and safety in the United Kingdom. Drug misuse deaths have doubled since 2012, and the impact of synthetic opioids on opioid related deaths is yet to be fully understood.   The joint consultation will run for 6 weeks, and will close on Wednesday 06 March 2024.   The consultation document can accessed via the link: https://lnkd.in/eRJVKEPh ARC Fitness, ASCERT, Davina's Ark, Depaul (Ireland), DUNLEWEY ADDICTION SERVICES LTD, Extern, Inspire Therapeutic & Wellbeing Services, Leonard Cheshire in Northern Ireland, Lisburn YMCA, SMART Recovery Ireland, Simon Community Northern Ireland, Start360  

I am thrilled to end 2023 with some good news. Today, we announced investment into the virtual addiction provider, PursueCare. In addition, PursueCare will also acquire the FDA-approved software-based medicines for addiction that were previously developed by Pear Therapeutics. PursueCare already has extensive experience deploying these products and I am thrilled to put them back in patient’s hands. The combination of digital therapeutics and remote care has the opportunity to address the country’s addiction epidemic, dramatically improve health outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs. Here’s to PursueCare and their patients. And to the future of software-based medicines! https://lnkd.in/eH8ts7ZM.

More exciting news from Pelago!

Compared to patients receiving the FDA-recommended target dose of buprenorphine, patients receiving higher doses of the medication were less likely to later require emergency department services or an inpatient hospital stay, according to a new RAND-#USCSchaeffer research. The study, published JAMA Network Open, adds to the growing evidence of the potential benefits of prescribing higher doses of buprenorphine, a highly effective medication used to treat opioid use disorder. The practice of prescribing higher doses has grown more common as the nation’s overdose epidemic has shifted from prescription opioids to especially potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl. “We found that in a large sample of patients not only is there no harm of higher buprenorphine doses related to increased ED or inpatient use, but there are potential benefits," said lead author Sarah Axeen, director of data and analytics at the Schaeffer Center. Read here: https://lnkd.in/gsAbC44j USC Sol Price School of Public Policy USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences