By Lynda Rubin
Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, has always been about community — about looking out for one another, especially when times are tough. I had the honor and privilege of doing this as a public school counselor and now as a community organizer. My work has been more than a job; it’s been a window into the heart of our community and the challenges we face together.
As many of us know, the Philadelphia community has been hard hit by the opioid epidemic. Thousands of our neighbors, family and friends have faced opioid addiction head on and continue to be plagued by its impact. Fortunately, national and local trends have shown promising change, but there are still far too many Americans being harmed by opioids.
This epidemic didn’t happen overnight. This crisis has persisted for decades, causing harm and heartache across the United States. While many began to utilize opioids as a pain management system after going through serious medical operations, the sad reality is that even after a patient has healed, they find themselves unable to break free from these powerful medications. Addiction can set in quickly and silently, trapping individuals in a cycle that extends far beyond their initial medical need.
Up until recently, there haven’t been a lot of options to combat serious pain aside from opioids, so there has been an uneasy acceptance of the risks attached. But that’s no longer the case. We now have innovative, non-addictive treatments that can effectively manage acute pain without the risks associated with traditional opioid medications. These advancements represent more than medical progress — they represent hope for millions struggling with pain management.
However, new treatments alone aren’t enough. We need congressional support to ensure these life-changing options become accessible to everyday families. Without legislative action, these breakthrough treatments could remain out of reach for millions of Americans, forcing patients to continue utilizing opioid-based medications out of sheer necessity. If Congress passes the Alternatives to Prevent Addiction in the Nation Act, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of seniors around us.
The Alternatives to PAIN Act is a bipartisan bill that has been introduced in both the House and Senate to increase access to non-addictive pain treatments under Medicare. If passed into law, this bill would help senior citizens gain access to non-opioid pain management treatment options. This is a win-win for seniors, families and our country, and I urge Congress to pass this bill into law.
Our community has always been about finding solutions, about supporting one another through challenges. The opioid epidemic is a challenge that requires our collective action — medical professionals, legislators and community members working together to create meaningful change.
I’m calling on the Pennsylvania congressional delegation to support this crucial legislation. Sen. Casey has already shown leadership by co-sponsoring the Senate bill as have a couple of our members in Congress, and I’m hopeful other representatives will follow their example.
Together, we can turn the tide on the opioid epidemic. We can provide hope, support and safer alternatives for those struggling with pain management. This is our moment to make a difference.
