JK Costello, MD, MPH, develops population health plans for substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery. Inspired by the ongoing explosion of substance use and overdose, he works across medicine, public health, and community organizations to create a community of recovery. His work covers all parts of the substance use continuum. He has extensive experience developing clinical programs for opioid use disorder treatment. He has worked with numerous jails to improve treatment and advocated at the legislature for better treatment in carceral facilities. He and his colleagues have facilitated opioid settlements for nearly half of Colorado. As a physician in recovery himself, he understands both the health care system and community recovery. But perhaps the most powerful work he does is sharing his story as a person in recovery who has found his purpose in helping other people navigate the treatment and justice systems.
Eric Anderson has focused on public health marketing and communications for a quarter century as co-founder of SE2, a Colorado-based agency. This includes multiple campaigns around behavioral health, including initiatives focusing on marijuana, tobacco, opioids, crisis services, and the benefits of connectedness. Previously, he was a journalist reporting from Washington, Hong Kong and Denver.
While communities should tailor their opioid settlement spending strategies to their local needs, we should embrace basic, population-focused prevention strategies. Prevention efforts can turn the tide of addiction for decades to come. And they are where we’ll get the biggest bang for our buck.