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Dozens of tribes are suing pharmaceutical companies and distributors over the opioid abuse epidemic. Overdose deaths have been steadily increasing over the past few years, although there is some evidence the numbers are leveling off. For American Indian and Alaska Natives, the rate of opioid overdose deaths remain slightly above the national average. We’ll check in with law enforcement, lawyers, and health care providers about the current status of the opioid abuse epidemic in Native America and also discuss the legal efforts to head it off.
Guests:
Brendan Johnson – partner and co-chair of the American Indian Law and Policy Group at Robins Kaplan LLP
Jessica Leston (Tsimshian) – clinical program director at the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board
Dr. Danica Brown (Choctaw Nation) – behavioral health manager at the Northwest Area Portland Indian Health Board
Dr. Barbara McAneny – president of the American Medical Association
Mike Lasnier – chief of police for the Suquamish Tribe
Break 1 Music: Maskwa’s Journey (song) Asani (artist) Rattle And Drum (album)
Break 2 Music: Rumble (Remastered) (song) Link Wray (artist) Rumble (Remastered) (single)
