A Role for Regional Scientists in a Time of Crisis

The United States is in the midst of a drug crisis of unprecedented magnitude. It developed slowly at first, but has exploded across the country in recent years. It is exacting a huge human and financial cost. As the crisis continues to accelerate, it is beginning to decimate some areas, particularly small rural communities, including many in Central Appalachia. While the medical field and some other disciplines seem to have gone all in with regards to research on the crisis, regional science has pretty much been invisible. This paper lays out some facts regarding the crisis and makes a case for regional science to step up and be part of the discussion.