Opioid Overdose Harm Prevention: The Role of the Nurse in Patient Education.

Opioid overdose continues to affect thousands each year in the United States, with nearly 850,000 lives lost within the last 20 years. It will take a comprehensive and coordinated approach from all members of the health care team and health care institutions, in addition to governmental officials, public safety, and community organizations to mitigate this crisis. Nurses can be instrumental in educating patients, families, and community members about ways to combat this epidemic, instrumental in advocating for their patients, advocating for reform, as well as continuing to bring awareness to this health crisis and provoke dialogue about ongoing solutions to end it.