I want to see us make progress in reducing the number of overdose fatalities. Knowing these heart-wrenching deaths are preventable, I have made it my mission to study the research and understand the science well enough to be an effective advocate, to promote the interventions proven to save lives elsewhere.  

It’s frustrating though. Needed reform is not all that complicated, but there are so many barriers.

I do know that our lawmakers hold the cards.  And I’ve realized, sadly, that some of those in power simply don’t care. They may pretend to care, paying lip service to the overdose epidemic being a priority. But without follow-up initiatives, or the allocation of sufficient resources, their words ring hollow.

One step forward, another step back. On the good-news front, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently clarified its guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic pain, acknowledging that the rigid interpretation of the 2016 policy has done more harm than good. Not only were chronic pain sufferers denied desperately needed medication, with a startling number turning to suicide, but the opioid overdose death toll was virtually unaffected and, in fact, continued to climb.

While out walking on a cold windy morning, I noticed a lone flower peeking out between the sidewalk bricks. I slowed my pace, admired the flower's tenacity, and then even stopped to snap a photo.

As my mind flashed to one of Paul's writings, I realized the source of my inspiration. You'll understand when you read "A Flower in Filth" -- written by Paul in 2011. As always, I did not correct misspellings.