Ann Fecci Tammy
Doctor Bioethics and Health Policy, Loyola University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
Linacre Q. 2024 Nov;91(4):353-372. doi: 10.1177/00243639241245103. Epub 2024 Aug 20.
Although the opioid epidemic and fentanyl crisis are nationwide problems of immense proportions, calming the storm raging across the isolating geo-economic framework of Appalachia demonstrates the need for courageous, culturally effective programs that have the power to address and overcome the grave situation of addiction in this region. In the Appalachian region, unjust social structures are embedded in the communities' socio-economic conditions. As this reality poses even greater barriers to addressing the opioid epidemic in these communities, the restoration of social relationships within a community becomes vital to the development of a broader approach to social functioning and human flourishing. Faith traditions and faith communities can play an important role in helping to establish and support such through attention to the individual, social, and spiritual needs of the community. This essay explores the complex problem of the opioid epidemic compounded by the fentanyl crisis. It considers the importance of public health research within the regional geo-economic framework of Appalachia to (a) inform policies that improve health inequities and promote social cohesion, (b) develop social solutions with a spiritual dimension, and (c) reveal remedies capable of informing moral norms in support of building a more . Reflecting on the virtue of solidarity, this essay also highlights the witness of the Catholic Church's response to the suffering experienced within the communities and the societies within the Appalachian mountains. While there may be considerable interest in viewing this article as a research document, foundationally, this essay utilizes a through a Catholic lens to inform ethical deliberations, reasoning, and practice while supporting ethical reflection and consideration of the responses raised. Further, the reader is strongly encouraged to reference the comprehensive footnote system provided for extension and verification of the data presented.
尽管阿片类药物泛滥和芬太尼危机是全国性的重大问题，但平息肆虐阿巴拉契亚地区孤立地理经济框架的风暴表明，需要有大胆且具有文化效力的项目，这些项目要有能力应对并克服该地区严重的成瘾问题。在阿巴拉契亚地区，不公正的社会结构嵌入在社区的社会经济状况之中。由于这一现实给这些社区应对阿片类药物泛滥带来了更大障碍，恢复社区内的社会关系对于形成更广泛的社会功能和人类繁荣发展方法至关重要。宗教传统和宗教团体可以通过关注社区的个人、社会和精神需求，在帮助建立和支持此类关系方面发挥重要作用。本文探讨了由芬太尼危机加剧的阿片类药物泛滥这一复杂问题。它考虑了在阿巴拉契亚地区地理经济框架内进行公共卫生研究的重要性，以便：(a) 为改善健康不平等和促进社会凝聚力的政策提供信息；(b) 制定具有精神层面的社会解决方案；(c) 揭示能够为道德规范提供信息以支持建设更……的补救措施。通过反思团结的美德，本文还强调了天主教会对阿巴拉契亚山区社区和社会所经历苦难的回应见证。虽然可能有相当多的人将本文视为一份研究文件，但从根本上说，本文通过天主教视角采用一种……来为伦理思考、推理和实践提供信息，同时支持对所提出回应的伦理反思和考量。此外，强烈鼓励读者参考所提供的全面脚注系统，以扩展和核实所呈现的数据。
