SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Millions of Americans have struggled with opioid addictions, often being prescribed opioids when other forms of treatment could serve them better.
An Iowa health consulting firm is looking to work with health providers in the state to open up these options and make it clear that opioids are not the only option.
Goldfinch has so far established programs in Nebraska, Iowa, and North Dakota.
“At Goldfinch, we’re really out to make sure that people get better surgery experiences. This can be a very vulnerable time in someone’s life,” Co-founder John Greenwood said.
No stranger to understanding the struggle of opioid addiction. Emily’s Hope founder Angela Kennecke says surgery is often unrecognized as a gateway to addiction.
“Educating the patient is so important. So many of the families we talked to have no idea how addictive these painkillers are,” Kennecke said.
Kennecke said alternative-based pain relief is exciting, but responsibility needs to come from companies that have been a part of the addiction crisis.