GHAI Joins Bloomberg Philanthropies Overdose Prevention Initiative

The Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) is excited to join the Bloomberg Overdose Prevention Initiative to combat the opioid epidemic and reduce overdose deaths in the U.S.

Overdose deaths are at an all-time high and are the number one cause of accidental death in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 99,000 Americans died from overdoses during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 – March 2021), the highest number of overdose deaths recorded in a single year in U.S. history. CDC data also shows that 75% of these overdose deaths were opioid- related.

Bloomberg Philanthropies has been addressing the opioid crisis since 2018, and this new initiative, announced today at the 4th annual Bloomberg American Health Summit, is a five-year, $120 million investment to help combat the overdose crisis in the hard-hit states of Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina and Wisconsin.

The Initiative – a partnership with the CDC Foundation, Global Health Advocacy Incubator, Johns Hopkins University, The Pew Charitable Trusts and Vital Strategies – will scale up existing efforts in Michigan and Pennsylvania, implement programs in the five new states, and advocate for federal policies to expand treatment access and harm reduction to reduce overdose deaths.

“The opioid epidemic is one of the most devastating public health crises of our time, impacting individuals, families and communities across the country,” said Matthew L. Myers, President of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and Global Health Advocacy Incubator. “We are privileged to join Bloomberg Philanthropies and other partners to address this critical issue.”

About the Global Health Advocacy Incubator

The Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), a project of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, supports civil society organizations advocating for public health policies that reduce death and disease. We bring a proven advocacy approach and a global network of local partners, built on a 25-year track record of success across multiple issues in more than 60 countries. Learn more at www.advocacyincubator.org.