Res 0615-2023

Whereas, According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, deaths due to drug overdoses hit an all-time high in 2021, and preliminary data suggests that the numbers from 2022 will be even higher; and Whereas, The Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York estimates that there were over 3,000 deaths in New York City due to drug overdoses in the 12 months ending in August 2022; and Whereas, Many overdoses deaths could have been prevented with proper addiction treatment; and Whereas, Addiction is a treatable disease; and Whereas, Addiction is a public health issue and medical professionals play an important role in identifying and treating addiction; and Whereas, Doctors, including primary care physicians, who do not specialize in addiction treatment are often called upon to diagnose and/or treat substance abuse disorders; and Whereas, Medical professionals need to be able to recognize the signs of addiction in order to be able to refer patients to addiction specialists when necessary; and Whereas, There are not enough programs or medical professionals trained in substance abuse to treat all of the individuals that want or need addiction treatment; and Whereas, Not all medical professionals are aware of the medications that are available to treat addiction; and Whereas, If they do not receive training on addiction in medical school many medical professionals will never receive any training on how to diagnose or treat substance abuse disorders; and Whereas, Opioids, and other addictive medications, play an essential role in medical pain management; and Whereas, Medical professionals need to be trained how to prescribe opioids and other controlled substances appropriately in order to prevent addiction; and Whereas, Learning about addiction treatment in medical school will better enable doctors to advocate for addiction treatments for their patients; and Whereas, Teaching about addiction in while they are still students is critical because medical schools is where doctors develop lifelong practice habits; and Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on New York State to mandate basic training in addiction treatment as a requirement for medical schools that receive state funding. LS #12537 03/22/23 EHC