American Medical Technology Coalition Forms Task Force to Combat Opioid Crisis

The American Medical Technology Coalition (AMTC) has announced the formation of the Opioid Addiction Deterrence Task Force (OADTF), an initiative designed to tackle the opioid crisis through advanced medical technologies and strategic partnerships. This Task Force represents a significant step in addressing one of the nation’s most critical public health challenges.

Prescription opioids play a significant role in the U.S. opioid epidemic, with approximately 150 million opioid prescriptions dispensed in 2023 alone. This figure equates to nearly half of the American population potentially receiving an opioid prescription. The misuse of these medications, particularly in situations involving polypharmacy, underscores the necessity for close clinical monitoring to manage pain effectively while minimizing the risk of addiction and dependence.

The OADTF aims to bring together leading experts, healthcare professionals, and technology innovators to develop and implement advanced solutions for preventing opioid addiction and supporting recovery efforts. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and collaborative efforts, the Task Force intends to create a comprehensive approach to opioid deterrence, focusing on prevention, treatment, and policy advocacy.

"We are excited to launch the Task Force to tackle the opioid crisis head-on," said Shane Bishop, CEO of Custom Health and Executive Director of the AMTC. "Our goal is to harness the power of medical technology to deter addiction through the safe, accountable use of prescription medication and rapid access to support systems for those affected by opioid use disorder. This initiative reflects our commitment to addressing critical healthcare challenges through innovation and collaboration."

Nick Egahos, CEO of Persona Informatics, emphasized the importance of data in combating the crisis: "Persona's tech stack, featuring the world's most advanced data transformation engine, creates valuable datasets that drive improved health outcomes. This structured, standardized data forms the foundation for high-value operations like machine learning and AI, enhancing our ability to address the most pressing healthcare issues."

Mike Palackdharry, CEO of Healent, added, "We're honored to join the OADTF as a core technology partner. Healent, a leader in AI-driven clinical intelligence for pain management, is committed to reducing opioid impacts. The task force's vision aligns with our mission."

Dr. Kyle Young, CEO of Commonwealth Pain & Spine, expressed optimism about the initiative: "I look forward to this first-of-its-kind collaboration between clinicians, lawmakers, and medical technology to improve the lives of chronic pain patients managed with opioids. I can't wait to see the progress that we can make with our combined resources."

The OADTF will focus on several key areas:

• Innovative Deterrence Technologies: Developing and promoting the use of advanced technologies to prevent opioid misuse and abuse.
• Enhanced Treatment Solutions: Implementing cutting-edge treatments and support systems to aid in recovery and reduce relapse rates.
• Policy Advocacy: Working with policymakers to advocate for regulations and policies that support effective opioid addiction deterrence and treatment strategies.
• Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the risks of opioid addiction and educating healthcare providers and the public on best practices for prevention and treatment.

The OADTF is set to launch congressional and federal briefings this summer, focusing on accelerated opioid addiction deterrence strategies rooted in cutting-edge research, technology, and a solutions-based approach.