A Step Forward in Fighting the Opioid Crisis

By Angie Calhoun, CEO and Founder of the Mississippi Cannabis Patients Alliance

The opioid epidemic has devastated families and communities across Mississippi, leaving a trail of addiction, heartache, and loss. For too long, our state has borne the brunt of this crisis, with far too many lives lost and families shattered. As someone who has personally witnessed the impact of limited pain management options, I understand the urgency of finding safer, more effective alternatives to opioids. That’s why I want to thank Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and Congressman Michael Guest for their leadership in co-sponsoring the Alternatives to Prevent Addiction in the Nation Act (H.R. 7142/S. 3832), also known as the Alternatives to PAIN Act. Their support for this bipartisan legislation is a significant step forward in the fight against the opioid epidemic and a lifeline for families across our state. 

The Alternatives to PAIN Act seeks to expand access to non-opioid treatments for pain management, particularly for seniors under Medicare. By increasing coverage for treatments such as physical therapy, non-addictive medications, and other innovative therapies, this bill ensures that patients have safer and more sustainable options to manage their pain. This is about more than reducing opioid prescriptions—it’s about giving patients real choices that prioritize their health and well-being. Mississippi has been disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis, and rural and underserved communities have been hit the hardest. Many people in these areas struggle to access non-opioid treatments due to cost or lack of availability. 

This legislation directly addresses these challenges, ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries—many of whom are seniors living on fixed incomes—can access the care they need. Senator Hyde-Smith and Congressman Guest’s leadership on this issue sends a powerful message: Mississippi is committed to fighting the opioid epidemic with compassion, innovation, and determination. Their support for the Alternatives to PAIN Act shows that they understand the importance of offering patients alternatives that don’t carry the same risks of addiction and dependency. 

As the CEO and Founder of the Mississippi Cannabis Patients Alliance, I’ve heard countless stories from patients who have benefited from non-opioid treatments. 

These alternatives have transformed lives, offering relief without the devastating side effects of opioids. The Alternatives to PAIN Act represents a critical opportunity to make these treatments more accessible to Mississippians and to prevent the cycle of addiction before it starts.

 I urge the rest of our congressional delegation to join Senator Hyde-Smith and Congressman Guest in supporting this vital legislation. Together, we can reduce opioid dependency, improve patient outcomes, and build a healthier, stronger Mississippi.

 This is not just about policy—it’s about people. It’s about ensuring that every Mississippian has access to safe and effective pain management options. I am deeply grateful to Senator Hyde-Smith and Congressman Guest for their leadership and commitment to this cause. Let’s continue working together to create a future where pain management is compassionate, equitable, and free from the shadow of opioids.

 — Angie Calhoun is the CEO and Founder of the Mississippi Cannabis Patients Alliance, an organization dedicated to advocating for patients and advancing safe, effective healthcare options in Mississippi