Caleb Banta-Green, a research professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, discusses the rise of fentanyl use and its impact on addiction treatment. He explains that fentanyl, which is 50 times more potent than heroin, was not on the radar a decade ago but has now surpassed both heroin and other opioids in use and overdose deaths.
Banta-Green also discusses health engagement hubs for people with drug addiction. The hubs would provide opioid-use disorder treatment, physical healthcare, mental healthcare and infectious-disease prevention. A bill being considered in Congress would implement this model of care nationally.