Congratulations to OHPF Alumnus, David Russo, DO, MPH

Congratulations to David Russo, DO, MPH and OHPF alumnus (2019) on publishing “Doctors Should Not be Penalized for Prescribing Opioid Alternatives” in the Portland (OR) Tribune. Co-authored with Oregon state senator Jeff Merkley, the article’s message is clear: The opioid crisis shows no sign of letting up.

In the past two years, Oregon has experienced a 44 percent increase in opioid-related deaths. Even more concerning is the 30 percent increase reported across the US just in the early months of the COVID pandemic. Russo and Merkley provide a strong rationale and statement of support for the “Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation - NOPAIN Act” (HR-3259, 79 co-sponsors; S-586, 37 co-sponsors).

If passed, the bill would authorize the removal of Medicare financial barriers to the use and administration of evidence-based, non-opioid treatments that can replace or reduce opioid consumption. Dr. Russo tells us that this op-ed was made possible by relationships he developed during his time in the Osteopathic Health Policy Fellowship.