There are many challenges that currently face this country. Gun violence is certainly at the top of everyone’s mind, but so, too, is drug addiction and the opioid crisis. Over 120 people die each and every day from an opioid overdose. An organization that is on a mission to transform how this nation addresses this crisis is the Center on Addiction, and it’s a pleasure to have with us tonight their President, Fred Muench.
American lives are shorter on average than those in other wealthy nations, and the gap is growing ever wider according to the latest data released by the Center for Disease Control. In fact, it appears that in 2017, US life expectancy will drop for a third year in a row, an event that hasn’t occurred in over a hundred years. As Americans, we are not faring well. But there’s a young organization that is dedicated to advancing the mental, social, and spiritual health of the nation. It’s called Well Being Trust, and it’s a pleasure to have with us their Chief Executive Officer, Tyler Norris. Good evening, Tyler, and welcome to The Business of Giving.
The spike in addiction to opioids… which has tripled in the last 15 years… has been in the news of late. But that is just one piece of the addiction crisis that is ravaging this country — a crisis which includes alcohol and so many other drugs. Now, a relatively young organization has sprung into action to fashion a more comprehensive and thoughtful approach to this grave challenge. It’s called Facing Addiction, and with us tonight is its co-founder and CEO, Jim Hood.