Ep. 81 - Mississippi’s Bold Shift in Addiction Treatment - Dr. Dan Edney

What if Mississippi could lead the nation in turning the tide on addiction? In this episode, Christina Dent talks with Dr. Dan Edney, Mississippi’s State Health Officer and a physician specializing in addiction medicine. They dive into the quiet revolution taking place in our state—from expanding access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to legalizing fentanyl test strips to saturating communities with naloxone. Dr. Edney shares how Mississippi became one of only five states to reduce overdose deaths for two years in a row—and why saving lives must be prioritized. They discuss why harm reduction saves taxpayer dollars, how recovery truly happens, and what still needs to change—like ending the ban on syringe services. You’ll also hear about Mississippi’s groundbreaking MSUD program, offering free treatment and MAT through local health departments, and why Dr. Edney believes it's time to treat addiction as a health issue. Whether you're new to these conversations or deeply engaged in reform, this episode will leave you with real hope. 🔗 Learn more and get a free naloxone kit (for Mississippi residents only): odfree.org 🔗 Mississippi Department of Health MSUD Program: https://bit.ly/4cLYqfa 🎧 EFG Podcast Ep. 24 - The Success of Prescription Heroin - Dr. Scott MacDonald 🎧 Subscribe for future episodes: https://enditforgood.com/podcast/