The United States is facing an overdose crisis. Over 107,000 Americans died of drug overdoses in 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s provisional estimates. According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the overdose crisis has evolved over time and is now largely characterized by deaths involving illicitly manufactured synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, and, increasingly, stimulants.  Since 1999, the rate of overdose deaths has increased by more than 250%. In response to these changes, HHS launched its Overdose Prevention Strategy to focus on primary prevention, harm reduction, evidence-based treatment, and recovery support. 

The Reagan-Udall Foundation for the FDA (FDA Foundation) supports the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s work to develop strategies for the prevention, treatment, and management of substance use disorders by engaging with stakeholders in the health, regulatory, industry, caregiver and advocacy communities to identify and address critical gaps across the SUD treatment system.