CDC's Business Pulse Focusing on Opioid Overdose Epidemic
The new digital platform from the CDC provides resources for employers.
According to its news release, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has launched Business Pulse: Opioid Overdose Epidemic, a digital publication that examines how the agency is working to protect individuals from the epidemic. An interactive infographic provides facts and links to CDC programs that help employers address the issue.
CDC says that prescription opioid dependence cost the United States $78.5 billion in 2013.
More than one-third of that amount, $29 billion, was caused by increased health care and substance abuse treatment costs. An average of 91 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose (including prescription opioids and/or heroin), according to the agency.