President’s Message
Dr. Kimberly Coley Henderson
President, OTPG
As we commit to our core values and purpose to enhance the quality of patient care in the provision of services to persons with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and their families, I earnestly accept the role of President of the Opioid Treatment Providers of Georgia (OTPG),
It is well known that the overdose crisis continues to devastate communities across our nation. Particularly, the CDC reports that more than 105,000 Americans died from drug overdose in 2022. The situation in Georgia is no different. From 2010 to 2022, the total number of opioid related overdose deaths in Georgia increased by 300% (from 491 in 2010 to 1,976 in 2022).
More than statistics; each of these individuals led tangible lives and all had very real stories regarding the disease of addiction. They were moms and dads, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, friends, and co- workers. The circumstances of their deaths may differ from person to person, but the shared tragedy of OUD, is that they are forever gone.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the death rate for people with OUD in methadone maintenance treatment is substantially reduced one-third to one-quarter the rate for those not in treatment. WHO also points out that there are fewer complications for pregnant women and their unborn children compared with those who are not in methadone maintenance treatment. Additionally, Dr. Vivek Murthy, US Surgeon General, refers to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) treatment as the “Gold Standard” treatment for OUD patients.
With that in mind, OTPG promotes the growth and development of treatment services and promotes coordination and communication amongst MOUD treatment programs. Likewise, OTPG continues to educate the public concerning MOUD services.
It is my desire that under this new OTPG leadership, MOUD Providers will be strengthened and optimistic in their quest to save lives. Hence, I ask that each person entering this site join in the fight to save lives and continue to treat OUD patients with dignity and respect.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kimberly Coley Henderson, OTPG President 2024