Dear John,

In case you missed it...this week the Voices for Human Needs blog examines statistics showing a drop in fatalities from opioid overdoses -- what do they mean and is it good news or bad? And we warn of the dangers of a House proposal that would allow states to privatize their workforces who administer SNAP benefits. Finally, we unveil CHN's latest Human Needs Watch: Tracking Hardship, which this issue examines Children's Week. Meanwhile, if you know of colleagues, friends, family members or others who you think should subscribe to the weekly Voices blog summary, please encourage them to do so here.

This week on the blog...

Drug overdose dilemmas: Fewer fatalities -- but more total overdoses and racial disparities
June 10
In May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the number of fatal drug overdoses in 2023 showed a 3 percent decrease from 2022, from 111,029 to 107,543. That 3,486 fewer people died from overdoses is good news. But how good? Is this single statistic a sign of widespread success in our national efforts to reverse and reduce our drug epidemic? A recent New York Times article asked "Has fentanyl peaked?" Has it? Are there fewer fatal overdoses because people with substance use disorder are using less? READ MORE »

Labor leaders and advocates warn of the negative impact of privatizing SNAP's workforce
June 12
Labor leaders and other advocates are sounding the alarm on two provisions in the House farm bill that would allow states to privatize the employees who administer SNAP benefits – a move that they say would threaten the integrity of the nutrition assistance program as well as endanger workers. READ MORE

CHN's Human Needs Watch: Tracking Hardship
June 14
The Children’s Week Edition. This week is Children’s Week, with two important sets of events focused on children. First Focus on Children sponsored or co-hosted events aimed at protecting the health, safety, and well-being of America’s children. Topics covered this week included the benefits of expanding the Child Tax Credit, addressing youth homelessness, raising the voices of dads in setting child policy, improving the conditions of children and families in Puerto Rico, and reducing the dangers of lead exposure for children. READ MORE

 

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