Every day, an estimated 260 Americans lose their lives to drug-related overdoses, leaving families and communities across the nation devastated. While the substances involved continue to change, the overdose crisis persists.

To effectively address this evolving public health challenge, our strategies and approaches must also change. By taking a comprehensive and adaptive approach, incorporating ongoing research, improving access to prevention and treatment, collaborating across sectors, and conducting meaningful community engagement to support those affected by addiction, we can change the course of this devastating crisis, save lives, and forge a healthier future for our nation.

To improve coordination and accelerate the pace of change, the National Academy of Medicine has partnered with more than 80 organizations to form the Action Collaborative on Combatting Substance Use and Opioid Crises. This initiative brings together key stakeholders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to collaboratively address critical issues posed by addiction.