This session will introduce attendees to opioid use disorder (OUD), its origins and current efforts to address the public health crisis. The presentation includes studies and statistics indicating how prevalent OUD is in society and briefly cover treatment options. After a brief topic introduction and discussion of OUD treatment options, the presentation will focus on civil rights aspects relating to OUD and protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act. It will further discuss cooperative efforts between the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Bar Association (ABA) in addressing the crisis through medical-legal partnerships and programs targeted at the relevant population. A portion of the presentation will discuss OUD effects on vulnerable society segments and the role legal aid plays in assisting with recovery. Finally, presenters will discuss LSLA’s and partners’ efforts in reaching the relevant population as well as programs with other providers utilized to deliver legal services and assist with recovery. This includes cooperative efforts with drug courts and treatment facilities.
