2025 has been a year of growth, reflection, and renewed commitment to preventing drug misuse and expanding access to the tools and resources that can stop opioid addiction before it begins.

For me, this work is deeply personal. As a former member of Congress and the co-founder and CEO of Mothers for Awareness and Prevention of Drug Abuse (MAPDA), I’ve seen this crisis from every angle – as a policymaker, and advocate and a mother whose own family has felt the impact. I’ve seen firsthand the toll that opioids take on families across the country, and I have used my personal experience in the service of others with the goal of ending prescription drug abuse and opioid addiction in America.

A key part of this effort lies in the strength of partnerships. In 2025 MAPDA had a tremendous year of growth. We increased access to resources that empowered parents to start meaningful conversations with their children. We collaborated with advocates and organizations to turn hardship into purpose – uplifting stories that drive change. And, we joined the Families, Addiction & Mental Health Network’s (FAM) Take Control of Pain initiative – a campaign advocating for empowered and innovative acute pain management.

As an organization dedicated to saving lives through conversation and connection, MAPDA joined Take Control of Pain to represent our constituents’ unique needs and to guide education and awareness initiatives that support access to innovations in acute pain treatments, including non-opioid treatment options.

Looking back, I’m inspired by what we’ve achieved together to support families navigating pain management options. Through storytelling, resource development, and advocacy efforts, Take Control of Pain has made significant strides in helping drive awareness and support for appropriate prescribing, shared decision-making, and access to treatment innovations.

As we close out 2025 on a strong note and look ahead to 2026, we continue to prioritize advocacy that makes an impact.

In the acute pain space, advancing legislation like Alternatives to Prevent Addiction in the Nation (PAIN) Act will ensure 54.8 million patients who receive prescriptions through Medicare can access non-opioid treatment options at the same level that they can currently access opioids.

Creating real change requires partnership, purpose and a shared commitment to advocacy. Through Take Control of Pain, we are working towards a future where all individuals have safer, effective acute pain management options that reduce the risk of opioid misuse and dependency.