We learned that our legislators are hearing about opioid addiction and its consequences, and their constituents are asking them to address it. What can we in emergency medicine do? We can and should lend our expertise and our experience to the conversation as hospitals, administrators, and legislators try to create programs, policies, and laws addressing these issues. In my limited experience, these initiatives are almost always better when the physicians actually providing the care are included in the conversation.

You can view the full list of guidelines on VACEP’s web page.

Partnering with VHHA and speaking with one voice as a health care community, our small task force had a very successful press conference led by VHHA’s director of communication that resulted in:

• A front-page headline story on the guidelines in state newspapers
• Radio interviews with one of VACEP’s emergency physician spokespeople (Kirk Cumpston, DO)
• Multiple quotes on national radio (NPR)
• Coverage in H&HN (Hospitals & Healthcare Networks)
• National media links

The guidelines are only a start, however—a framework for continued conversations and improvement. Our local emergency department met this morning and discussed specific initiatives for our community. We aren’t perfect, but we chose to care, we chose to act, and therefore we believe we will be successful. Our patients and their families depend on us to take action.

Cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that has!” VACEP believes that we are one of those groups. We hope you’ll find your own group as well.

Dr. Dawson is secretary of VACEP and regional emergency medicine director of VEP Healthcare in Abingdon, Virginia.