NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing (PROP), a program of Phoenix House that works to turn the tide on the opioid addiction epidemic through responsible prescribing, is proud to announce its appointment of Jane C. Ballantyne, M.D., a widely recognized anesthesiologist and pain expert, as President. The appointment will become effective September 27, 2014, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., during the Pre-Rally Reception of FED UP!, an event that will shine a spotlight on the epidemic and serve as a call to action.
“Dr. Ballantyne brings to PROP a wealth of experience on opioids, both as a clinician who understands the need to treat pain effectively, and as a public health advocate who deals with the effects of overprescribing,” says Andrew Kolodny, M.D., the organization’s co-founder and current President. “She was among the first prominent pain specialists in the country to sound the alarm about high dose chronic opioid therapy risks and lack of efficacy. She has an outstanding international reputation and is highly regarded for her research, writing, and professionalism. We are very lucky to have her as our next President.”
Dr. Ballantyne received her medical degree from the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine in London, England. She trained in anesthesiology at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, England, before moving to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston in 1990, where she directed the Center for Pain Medicine for 20 years. She currently serves as University of Washington Medicine Professor of Education and Research. Dr. Ballantyne is also a widely published author and holds editorial positions for several leading journals and textbooks.
“I am delighted to be able to advance the mission of this important organization,” says Dr. Ballantyne. “Opioids are essential medications, especially when used to ease suffering at the end of life and when used short term for severe pain. Unfortunately, their widespread use for common, moderately painful conditions is harming many pain patients and fueling an addiction epidemic. I look forward to using my position at PROP to promote more cautious prescribing practices.”
Andrew Kolodny, M.D., the organization’s co-founder and first President, will assume the position of Director, in which role he will be responsible for advocacy and educational efforts.
About Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing (PROP)
PROP is a several hundred-member education and advocacy group whose mission is to reduce morbidity and mortality resulting from opioid prescribing by promoting cautious, safe, and responsible opioid prescribing practices. Its membership includes both physicians and concerned citizens.
About Phoenix House
As a leading nonprofit provider of substance abuse treatment and prevention services since 1967, Phoenix House is known for innovative and research-tested treatment methods and practices that strive to meet the distinct needs of each individual client. More than 120 programs in California, Florida, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Metro D.C. help individuals and families affected by substance abuse lay the foundation for long-lasting recovery so they can lead healthy, productive lives.
About the FED UP! Rally
Sponsored by both Phoenix House and PROP, the FED UP! Rally will take place on Sunday, September 28, 2014, in Washington D.C. The event is expected to join thousands of people from the recovery community—including friends and family, physicians, advocates, journalists, and concerned citizens—together to call for an end to the opioid addiction epidemic. The rally will be followed by a march to the White House.
