Google Maps launches program in Colorado to fight the opioid crisis and identify drug elimination sites



[ad_1]

Google Maps is focusing on a new opioid crisis initiative in seven states, including Colorado, the company said Thursday morning.

Google has partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Health and Social Services, CVS, Walgreens and state governments to highlight local sites for the elimination of drug use. drugs in Google Maps. This brand new effort will allow users to type phrases such as "drug drop near my home" or "scrapping drugs near me" and Google Maps will display the nearby disposal sites. This will help people get rid of unnecessary medications quickly and safely.

Google Maps has piloted this initiative at 3,500 locations in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.

The leaders of this new program are turning to public health authorities to get more ideas on how technology can help communities better cope with the opioid crisis.

After the launch of the pilot program, Google Maps staff will continue to work with the DEA to integrate additional storage sites.

Everyday,

In the United States, more than 130 people die from an opioid overdose

. An opioid addiction may form after only five days of use and about half of the cases of prescription drug abuse begin with drugs obtained from family and friends.

In 2017, the

HHS said the opioid crisis had become a public health emergency

, with more than 130 people dying each day of opioid-related drug overdoses.

Google Maps says that's why it wants to help people get rid of these remaining medications.

"By communicating on Google Maps information about the opioid elimination site, Americans are no longer just a way to help resolve the opioid crisis," said Ed Simcox, director of technology at HHS. innovation needed to improve health care ".

To learn more about how your state or business can integrate more disposal sites into Google Maps, send an email to

[email protected]

.

READ MORE:

People on the front lines of opioid addiction share the stories and the number of spills of naloxone

Colorado to receive $ 30 million over two years to expand opioid treatment programs

Colorado cities and counties sue drug companies for opioid hype

Colorado hospitals take steps to limit opioid use

The opioid epidemic is spreading on the roads, according to a study

[ad_2]

Source link