This month, the “Take Charge of Your Health Today” page examines drugs–chemicals that can provide great benefit or cause great harm to our bodies. Jennifer R. Jones, MPH, community engagement coordinator with the University of Pittsburgh CTSI, and Esther L. Bush, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, had a discussion about this important topic.
JJ: Good afternoon, Ms. Bush. For a few months we have known that our March page will have a focus on drug use. It’s a very delicate yet timely topic.
EB: Yes, Jennifer. I’m glad that we’re focusing our health page on a topic that has recently received so much local and national media attention. We know that most every person has taken at least one drug at least one time, most likely an over-the-counter headache or cold remedy. When taken properly, some drugs can assist our bodies in regaining or maintaining health. That’s not what we are talking about today, though. When used inappropriately, at the wrong time, in the wrong amount, and certainly when used habitually over time, any drug has the ability to harm the body and destroy our health. That’s what we are talking about today. I want to be very clear of our intention.
JJ: Great point; thank you for that important clarification. The overview with Dr. Burke discusses a specific drug problem–dependence on heroin. Heroin is an opioid—that’s a type of drug often used to relieve pain. Dr. Burke tells us that research done at the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public Health shows that in the past 10 years deaths due to heroin overdoses has risen to the extent that it is now the leading cause of death among middle-aged Pennsylvanians.
EB: I want to stop right there, Jennifer. That disturbs me. This is a problem that is affecting everyone. Black people, white people, rich people, poor people, those who live in the city and those who live in the suburbs as well as rural areas. We all need to realize that. I know that the Obama Administration speaks directly to heroin in their new drug policy. Our U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, David Hickton, a friend of mine, is the co-chair of the National Heroin Task Force. I can tell you from conversations we’ve that that we are taking this matter very seriously here in Western PA.
JJ: I appreciate your concern for the well-being of our city and those who live in it. There are a lot of researchers, medical professionals, policy makers and law enforcement officials who are working to save lives and reduce the burden of these overdoses in our communities.
EB: But we can all help. If you know someone who is suffering from drug dependence, please get them help. Talk to a healthcare professional. There are many treatment options available. I don’t want to read about another overdose casualty.
EB: Thank you so much for your time, Ms. Bush. Our topic for April is organ donation, a unique area of health in which we can all act to save lives. I’m looking forward to chatting with you about it!
For more information or with questions, e-mail partners@hs.pitt.edu.
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