Newswise — Washington, D.C. — Inequities in the national response to the U.S. opioid and behavioral health crisis continue to leave certain groups behind, even as overall opioid overdose deaths decline. Addressing these policy and programmatic gaps will be the focus of an upcoming hybrid, in-person and virtual convening hosted by the Institute for Policy Solutions (IPS) at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing on March 31, from 12 to 2 p.m. ET, in Washington, D.C. “Filling The Gaps: Eliminating Inequities in The U.S. Opioid and Behavioral Health Response” will feature impactful panel discussions with leading national substance use experts on inequities in access to prevention, treatment, and recovery, as well as identify solutions to advance national efforts to end preventable overdose deaths for every community.
Speakers:
Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, PhD, RN, FAAN, Executive Director, IPS, Leona B. Carpenter Chair in Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health, Johns Hopkins University School of NursingChinazo Cunningham, MD, Commissioner, NYS Office of Addiction Services and SupportsAllan Clear, Director, NYS DOH AIDS Institute Office of Drug User HealthKaren A. Scott, MD, MPH, President, Foundation for Opioid Response EffortsVanessa L. Gibson, Bronx Borough PresidentAaron Hogue, PhD, Senior Vice President, Research & Programs, Partnership to End Addiction
This program will also highlight Safe Families, a promising evidence-based community intervention designed to fill existing prevention and treatment gaps in resource limited communities. Learn more about Safe Families here: https://t.jh.edu/lstb23
Media Attendance & Interviews: Media are encouraged to attend. Interview opportunities with panelists and IPS leadership can be arranged upon request.
Event Details
What: Filling The Gaps: Eliminating Inequities in The U.S. Opioid and Behavioral Health ResponseWhen:Tuesday, March 31, 2026 | 12–2 p.m. ETWhere:Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center, Conference Room 822555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. (and virtually)Who:National health experts, policymakers, community leaders, the publicRSVP/Registration:Event Registration – Media attending the event in person should register and check in upon arrival.
Media toolkit: https://t.jh.edu/k6pdXT
ABOUT THE INSTITUTE FOR POLICY SOLUTIONS: Eliminating health inequities is the most promising and sustainable solution to fix our broken health system — and to deliver optimal health for everyone. The Institute for Policy Solutions (IPS) exists to meet this challenge by drawing on the wisdom, expertise, and leadership of nurses. We provide evidence-based policy and programmatic solutions, cutting edge research, impactful health workforce trainings, and actionable thought leadership. We forge innovative strategic partnerships. We assemble convenings that build bridges and shape opinions. We engage, influence, and mobilize audiences through our outreach. We are committed to driving bold change that lifts the health of our nation. Please join us. For more information about IPS, please visit IPSNow.org.
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