First responders are on the front lines of the opioid crisis, where they witness firsthand the devastating consequences of the epidemic.

Despite ongoing recovery and awareness efforts, 14 Pennsylvanians die every day from an overdose.

Each overdose encountered by a paramedic, fire fighter or police officer isn’t just a statistic; it represents a life — one lost too soon, and a life leaving behind loved ones. The toll this crisis takes on our community is immeasurable, both with human lives lost and the strain it places on emergency services.

Strategies to Coordinate Overdose Prevention Efforts (SCOPE) has been at the forefront of combating the opioid epidemic, providing essential resources and support to individuals and neighborhoods impacted by substance abuse. Because of this partnership, first responders are better prepared, trained and educated for any situation that may arise. These efforts have undoubtedly saved myriad lives.

However, we recognize that the crisis is multifaceted, with deep-rooted systemic issues contributing to its severity. For example, the exacerbation of opioid addiction is deep-rooted in corporate culpability.

The national consulting firm of McKinsey & Company is currently the subject of a federal investigation for its role in allegedly fueling the epidemic. McKinsey was advising Purdue Pharma on how to generate new profits from opioid prescriptions, while simultaneously counselling the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on how to best treat our American service men and women.

Despite working with a pharmaceutical giant, the federal agency that oversees drug companies, and a government department exploring medicinal treatment options, these relationships were allowed to continue, despite the potential conflict of interests.

At some point as a society, all entities must bring an objective and ethical approach to pharmaceutical markets and opioid prescription practices.

As part of SCOPE, a comprehensive approach is fostered to address this crisis — one that encompasses prevention, treatment and history.

Here in Pennsylvania and in southern Ohio, SCOPE instructors teach continuing education to first responders to reduce the impact of opioid overdoses. Over the past three years, close to 3,700 first responders have received this type of training.

Yet, for our initiatives to be truly effective, underlying corporate and profit driven behaviors need to end.

Holding corporations accountable is not just about assigning blame but ensuring that future pain is prevented and lives are saved. If we ignore the harm caused by these companies and their indifference for human life, then we are doing a disservice to our family, friends and neighbors.

By demonstrating there are consequences for corporate misconduct, we can encourage greater ethical behavior and a commitment to social responsibility.

Accountability is not just about holding companies responsible; it’s about creating a culture where public health takes precedence over profit.

Strategies to Coordinate Overdose Prevention Efforts (SCOPE) offers free continuing education to equip and empower first responders, emergency medical services (EMS) and firefighters in Pennsylvania and Ohio to reduce the impact of opioid overdoses in their communities. SCOPE is a collaboration between the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Pharmacy Program, Evaluation and Research Unit (PERU) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.