Do Americans think the opioid epidemic is a public health emergency?

Critical Analysis

1. Based on the visual above, what portion of Americans think the opioid epidemic is a major public health emergency?

2. Based on the visual above, what portion of Americans think the opioid epidemic is a not a public health emergency?

3. Based on the visual above, describe American public opinion about the opioid epidemic?

4. Over the past two decades, the United States has experienced a severe increase in the number of people who have died because of drug overdoses. The country’s drug crisis has worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the number of overdose deaths surging above 100,000, largely due to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Federal agencies and local governments have worked to address the epidemic and reverse, or at least slow down, the rate of deaths. However, there has been little effect, as deaths have increased roughly every year since 1999. Based on the visuals above and below*, predict one public policy consequence of American public opinion.

5. Based on your own experience, how would you answer the question above?

6. Based on the visual below* describe the trend in drug related deaths since 1999.

7. One measure to reduce harm that has gained traction recently is the expansion of access to naloxone, known as Narcan nasal spray, which has been available only for prescription use since 2015. In March, the Food and Drug Administration approved Narcan to be available over the counter, with the intent to increase the number of people who can get the medication. But experts are still concerned that the price will keep it from people who need it the most. How does this scenario illustrate the concept of rule-making authority?

8. Based on the visual below* what part of the government do Americans blame the most for the handling of the opioid epidemic.

9. OnPoint NYC, which operates two overdose prevention sites in New York City, states that it has served over 3,200 participants and intervened in 898 overdoses since it opened in November 2021. However, efforts to provide safe places of that kind for people to use drugs are controversial. Pennsylvania lawmakers may soon ban supervised drug consumption; California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) vetoed a bill that proposed to set up safe injection sites in some cities due to safety concerns and the potential of an increase in drug use; and the Trump administration sued to stop Safehouse, a nonprofit, from establishing a site in Philadelphia. If you were the leader of the United States describe the first step you would take to tackle the opioid crisis.

10. Based on your knowledge of American politics, explain why something that worries Americans as much as the opioid crisis has not become a major issue in recent elections.

    Learning Extension

    Read this short Morning Consult story about American public opinion regarding the opioid crisis.

Action Extension

Contact the White House and tell President Biden what you think the White House should do about the opioid crisis.

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20500

Visual Extension*