SPECTRUM: Opioid task force chair’s letter to Sen. Murkowski

Dear Senator Lisa Murkowski,

Thank you for your interest in my response to Sam Quinones’ testimony at the HELP (Health, Education, Labor & Pensions) committee hearing in Washington, D.C. this past month. And, thank you for your participation on that important committee and your dedication in seeking solutions to the opioid epidemic. This plague of the opioid epidemic is now being called the ‘worst man-made epidemic’ in our history.

I had the opportunity to read ‘Dreamland,’ by Sam Quinones two years ago. It was recommended by Dr. Anne Zink, Medical Director of the Emergency Department of Mat-Su Regional. In fact, Dr. Zink has presented to the Task Force a number of times and has made many trips to D.C. to meet with you. We are very fortunate to have Dr. Zink, Dr. Jay Butler, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Michael Alter, many other medical and substance abuse professionals along with community members working with the Task Force.

Regarding my personal response, it will be concise, honest and about how it relates to communities across Alaska. The most unfortunate fallout of the opioid epidemic is the number of lives lost, those still struggling, and their families holding their breath terrified about the next phone call. I can not tell you the number of calls I have received from family members describing horrific situations of their suffering, addicted children. My heart aches and at times I am moved to tears as they share their struggles, pain and grief.

At the January 10th Candle Light Vigil, John Green and Task Force Members read over 180 names of loved ones lost to addiction. They will never be forgotten and we’ll continue to stay in the good fight with them in our thoughts. In addition to Mat-Su, Anchorage, Glennallen, Juneau and Soldotna held events the same evening. Next year, we are hoping that more Alaskan communities will join the Mat-Su. How powerful would it be, if every community across Alaska read names of those lost to addiction on the exact same day and at the exact same time!

Next, we must be realistic as Mr. Quinones stated, there is no quick, easy, or short term fix. We will have to understand and acknowledge we are in this for the long haul. And, that is due to all the facets and multi-layered aspects of prescribing, tolerance, addiction, detox, and treatment for opioids. Also, the stigma of opioid addiction is real and handicapping our ability to allow understanding and healing. Yet, one way to break down that stigma is to provide suffering addicts and their families encouragement and especially to find solutions for them. And then, hopefully, they’ll share their painful stories in a public venue.

In addition, one vital aspect that is imperative to address is prevention. We have to stop making addicts. We have to move ‘upstream’ with our youth to ensure they understand the addictiveness of opioids. Youth must understand addiction can happen to anyone, regardless of age, socioeconomic status or ethnic background. And, just as important, we have to provide youth healthy and engaging recreational outlets with trained sponsoring adults. We can all agree, we want our youth to have the best chances to become productive, successful and contributing adults.

Yet, there has been progress already. First and foremost, Mr. Quinones’ statement that he expressed so passionately, was solutions will be born from community based groups, boots on the the ground and building bridges from one neighbor to another. In short, we have to break the cycle of isolation and create opportunities for connection and relationships. The well-being of our communities are essential for them to be safe, healthy and resource ready.

I believe the Mat-Su Opioid Task Force can feel proud in that we have come together as a community, collaborating and building partnerships to address solutions to end opioid use and abuse. I know we have a way to go to include all members of our community due to some differences of opinions. Yet, we will continue to take action and will always be open to negotiations and dialogue to overcome those differences.

Finally, it is an honor and privilege to work with you as we continue the good fight, save lives, and improve the quality of lives for suffering addicts and their families. Please do not hesitate to make any suggestions, provide any ideas or comments to turn back the tide and create safe, healthy and resource ready communities across Alaska.

# Absolute Pursuit (in knocking down the opioid epidemic)

Best to you and your family!

Michael Carson, V.P. & Recovery Specialist @ MyHouse and Chair of Mat-Su Opioid Task Force