A tale of two pandemics

Although I live and work in a part of the world that has been less powerfully affected by COVID-19 than case for many others, we too have had our share. In my Canadian province just over 5 million people (Government British Columbia, 2021), recorded 901 COVID-19-related deaths 2020 (Ghoussoub, 2020). The pandemic response involved every nurse some capacity or other, investment public health information, provincial orders, care delivery, management was unprecedented scope. We all knew were living dangerous conditions, solutions would require us, profession be expected to show leadership, fortitude, compassion, extraordinary expert action throughout. And with exception PPE shortages early days frustration about anti-maskers later on, generally felt trusted supported wider efforts do share help population get through this crisis. congratulated ourselves as stepping into harm's way during those initial uncertain times, reconfiguring (again again) appreciation what dealing evolved, finding opportunities supporting patients their loved ones difficult times crisis loss, stretching system toward embracing compassion an essential service. scholars across planet found ways shift attention research on analysis implications pandemic. Most journal editors know inundated manuscript submissions since began, them addressing complex interplay virus range social determinants societal conditions under which are not optimally served. During same year, however, another very much play—but quite so strongly professional limelight. 2020, lost no 1716 lives opioid overdose—almost double number (Nagy & Jones, 2021). alone this. Accelerated rates overdose reported similar period Canada (Public Health Agency Canada, 2020), United States (CDC, nations Europe beyond (Alho et al., 2020); WHO, That these two “public emergencies” linked is question (Davis Samuels, web legal policy structures within addiction managed makes it law enforcement challenge rather priority. Where offer evidence-based prevention, management, treatment services, they often inadequate need due entrenched structural barriers. Rather approaching use harm reduction lens, continue operate systems add layers harm—both persons addictions societies live, compounding effects substances even more powerful toxic stigma, marginalization, criminality. using (such private homes) always prohibitions against gathering dramatically limited people's options choosing safer conditions. also that, border closures travel restrictions, seriously disrupted access pharmaceutical supply chains, such non-pharmaceutical opioids fentanyl, primary culprit deaths, increasingly turning up various products. And, course, there quality control illegal production fentanyl Thus, must ask why, despite sincere commitment ideals all, understanding health, improving equity systems, broader society, profession, turn blind eye second unfolding tragedy. Is drug stigma still while easily envision being threat ones, somehow imagine other affects only “others”? genuinely appreciate fierce gut-wrenching grief suffered families friends whose chemical virus? Of course wonderful nurses, professionals, stripes working hearts out global emergency. Proposals hydromorphone prescribing pushing edges clinical practice, policing, government regulation (Winter, salute who front lines issues cheer on. But can elevate tragedy level international proportion deserves, mobilize rapid action, dismantle barriers judgmentally put place, figure meaningful lasting globally? Opioid fact life. It should not, death sentence. Lets collectively give serious thought learned from mounting massive strategic might fully applicable