Turning the Tide on the Overdose Crisis

The Challenge

The opioid crisis is a continuing public health emergency in the United States, with a dramatic rise in opioid misuse and overdose deaths over the past two decades combined with a recent spike in illicit fentanyl. Since 1999, nearly 727,000 Americans have died from an opioid overdose, including both prescription medications and illegal drugs.

Fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, is now the leading cause of overdose deaths among Americans aged 18–45. Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine. Even tiny amounts can be lethal. Adding to the danger, illicit fentanyl is increasingly being mixed into counterfeit pills imitating prescriptions. Many users unknowingly consume lethal doses, contributing to a surge in overdose deaths among teens and young adults. Preventable deaths remain far too common.

Our Response

The Harbor Path Policy Council is committed to saving lives by supporting public policies that ensure at-risk communities have access to opioid reversal medications and the knowledge to use it effectively. Naloxone is a fast-acting medication that can rapidly reverse opioid overdoses, giving individuals a second chance at life and providing a critical tool to reduce deaths from the opioid and fentanyl crisis. We combine our advocacy with HarborPath's naloxone distribution and education to combat this crisis.

  • Support HarborPath’s distribution of life-saving opioid reversal medication nationwide, focusing on schools, colleges, underserved communities, and first responders.

  • Educate bystanders to recognize and respond to overdoses while promoting public awareness campaigns, specifically for young adults and students.

  • Support federal and state initiatives to provide naloxone access, law enforcement efforts, and fentanyl education programs.

  • Collaborate with non-profits, healthcare providers, first responders, and local organizations to reach those at highest risk and maximize the impact of interventions.

Policy Priorities

  • Medication

    Expanding Access to Life-Saving Medications

    Advocating for policies that ensure naloxone is widely available.

    Supporting programs that provide access to opioid reversal medications.

    Advocating for policies that require responsible prescribing practices.

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    Strengthening Education and Prevention

    Promoting public awareness campaigns on the dangers of opioids and fentanyl.

    Supporting public policies that train students, caregivers, and communities.

    Advocating for policies that support community-based programs.

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    Advancing Research and Policy Innovation

    Partnering with physicians, pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors, and others in the medical community to advance legislation and regulations that will empower innovation and creativity to save lives.

    Supporting data collection and research to better understand the opioid crisis and effective interventions.

    Encouraging collaboration among nonprofits, healthcare providers, and government agencies to improve policy outcomes.


The Path Forward

By expanding naloxone availability, promoting public education and awareness, and supporting effective policies, the HarborPath Policy Council aims to give every community the tools it needs to respond to overdoses. Together with partners, we can turn the tide on the opioid crisis and save lives across the country.

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Make an impact today

Every day, patients across the United States face life-threatening challenges – from cancer and chronic diseases to opioid overdoses. The HarborPath Policy Council works to remove barriers, improve access to medications, promote education and prevention, and advance public policies that protect patients and save lives. Your donation empowers us to continue this critical advocacy work, ensuring every patient has the care, resources, and policy protections they need.

Your generosity drives real-world change. With your support, we can expand access to treatments, influence policies that protect vulnerable communities, and continue our mission to save lives through both direct support and effective public policy.

If your company is interested in providing a corporate grant to support our policy work, please contact us at info@hppolicy.org.

Join us in creating a healthier, safer future. Every gift counts.

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