Addiction Treatment Facilities: Are They Prepared For The COVID-19 Coronavirus Outbreak?

By now, most people are aware of a novel coronavirus, COVID-19, that is wreaking public health havoc on a global scale. As of today, March 16th, 2020, over 3700 cases of novel coronavirus and 69 deaths have been reported. Once testing becomes widespread, these numbers are expected to increase significantly.

Specific populations face unique challenges. Over 23 million Americans experience a substance use disorder (SUD), among whom only 10% access treatment. Depending on the severity of their disease and access to economic and social supports, many people with SUD cycle in and out of emergency departments, addiction treatment centers, homeless shelters and correctional facilities like jails and prisons.