[Date]
[Media]

RE: Opioid Crisis – A Different Perspective

Dear [Media Contact],

[Your name] [Your title/position] is interested in an appearance or interview. Topic: Stopping the Opioid Crisis at its Origins. Educating the healthcare system to stop prescribing opioids and begin referring for drug-free care. Ohio is still stuck in an outdated drug-first healthcare model. We have started a local project to educate local doctors, employers, and the public about the latest evidence supporting chiropractic and drug-free treatments as first-line options for pain.

[Your name] is available for an appearance or interview for your help getting the word out.

Sincerely,
[Doctor]
[Tile/Position]
[Phone #]
[Email]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
MEDIA CONTACT:
[Your name]
[Your title/position]
[Phone #]
[Email]

Providers Across Healthcare Spectrum Recommending Chiropractic As a Solution to the Opioid Epidemic

CANTON, OHIO, September 21st, 2017 – Ohio has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic, with 4,149 drug overdose deaths reported in 2016 alone. Research has indicated that 80% of heroin addicts started with prescription pain medications. Health care experts are now recognizing drug-free pain treatments as an important solution to avoiding opioid abuse and addiction.
 
“Drug addiction often begins with opioid prescriptions for pain,” says [Your title/position], [Your name]. “In fact, a recent study by the Department of Health & Human Services stated that on an average day in the U.S. more than 650,000 opioid prescriptions are dispensed. Pain management should begin with chiropractic care as a first-line option to reduce pain and increase function for individuals who are suffering.”

In the past year, state, national, and medical guidelines have recommended chiropractic and drug-free treatments be used first for pain. Hospitals are now being required to provide education on and access to drug-free treatments for pain like chiropractic and acupuncture. The Federal Drug Administration has advised providers treating patients with pain to complete education on the use of chiropractic and acupuncture.
  
According to Sherry McAllister, DC, Executive Vice President, F4CP, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to informing and educating the general public about the value of chiropractic care, says, “Healthcare providers across all disciplines should acknowledge chiropractic care to their patients as a safe and effective conservative care option prior to prescribing addictive and potentially fatal opioids. Prescription painkillers have yet to be proven effective for long-term pain management, and the public needs access to safe and effective drug-free options, including chiropractic. Non-pharmacologic pain management should be a primary alternative to prescription opioids.” 

“37 states have now signed on to a letter to health insurance companies urging them to increase coverage for non-opioid therapies for pain. It’s time for a more collaborative approach to pain management that no longer emphasizes opioid use,” says [Your name]. “The good news is most insurers, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the VA, already provide some coverage for chiropractic care. Try chiropractic first and avoid going down the path to opioid abuse and addiction.”
  
About [Your district name]
A professional association of Doctors of Chiropractic serving patients in … contributing to the health and well-being of thousands of chiropractic patients in our community. Visit us at [your district website].

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