opioid crisis funding
Resources for
non-profits And Artists
Alternatives to opioids
In response to a growing opioid epidemic, the CDC released opioid prescription guidelines in March 2016. The guidelines recognize that prescription opioids are appropriate in certain cases, including cancer treatment, palliative care, and end-of-life care, and also in certain acute care situations, if properly dosed. But for other pain management, the CDC recommends non-opioid approaches including physical therapy.
Meditation & Relaxation
Meditation and relaxation can be used in a variety of ways depending on the person. Relaxation is used to slow breathing, reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure, and produce a feeling of calm and stability. Various meditation techniques include guided imagery, deep breathing, biofeedback, progressive relaxation and more. Learn more
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping patients change their thinking patterns in order to change unhealthy behavior or moods. Sessions involve structured meetings with a trained mental health counselor or psychologist for a limited amount of time. Cognitive behavioral therapy often involves relaxation exercises, journal writing, and certain stress and pain relief methods. Learn more
Traction
Spinal traction is a form of decompression therapy that relieves pressure on the spine. It can be performed manually or mechanically. Spinal traction is used to treat herniated discs, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, pinched nerves, and many other back conditions.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care typically involves manipulation or adjustment of the spine and other parts of the body by a chiropractor or osteopath. Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who are licensed by the state in which they practice. Learn more
Acupuncture
According to the National Institute of Health, research suggests acupuncture can help manage certain pain conditions. Therefore, some states have acupuncture listed as an essential health benefit under insurance to treat pain. These states are Alaska, California, Maryland, New Mexico and Washington. Otherwise in other states individual providers decide whether to cover acupuncture.
Massage Therapy
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, massage therapy can come in many different forms. It typically involves the manipulation of soft tissue for health-related issues and can be used as a way to treat pain. Learn more
Electrotherapy
In transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) a special device transmits low-level electrical charges into the area of the body that is in pain.
A TENS system consists of a small, battery-powered machine connected by wires to a pair of electrodes. The two electrodes are connected to your skin near the source of pain or at a pressure point. A mild electrical current travels through your skin and along your nerve fibers which may cause a warm, tingling sensation. A typical TENS session lasts anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes.
Yoga
According to the SAMHSA, yoga is both a mind and body practice that combines breathing techniques, physical postures, and meditation or relaxation. Many different styles of yoga exist, varying in focus and intensity of physical movement that can be tailored to fit each individuals needs. Learn more
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists treat pain through active movement. Opioids only mask the sensation of pain.
Physical therapy “side effects” include improved mobility, increased independence, decreased pain, and prevention of other health problems through functional movement and exercise. Occasionally muscle soreness may occur but this is normal and usually resolves in a few days. Opiod side effects can include depression, overdose, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms.
Physical therapy is effective for numerous conditions, and the CDC cited “high quality evidence” supporting exercise as part of physical therapist treatment for familiar conditions like low back pain, hip and knee osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. Opioid effectiveness for long-term pain management is inconclusive in many cases.
For Artists and Non-Profits
Artists
Artists, musicians, bands and others will soon be able to use this portal to donate a portion of the proceeds from an event to the Sandgaard Foundation. This can include profits made from ticket sales or direct donations during an event. In return, the Sandgaard Foundation will advertise the event to the extent practical. Artists can choose how much they want to donate and there are no firm commitments until the actual donation takes place.
We look forward to supporting up-and-coming acts as well as well-established household names!
Non-Profits
We’re reaching out to a number of people across all sectors (including experts in healthcare, nonprofit organizations, pain management/addiction, government and musicians) to uncover the blind spots and opportunities in opioid crisis funding.
We are listening and learning, and we welcome hearing from you. If you would like to share with us how your organization is addressing the opioid epidemic, either directly or from a systems-wide perspective, please fill out this short form below or reach us at . We read all messages and will respond to you within 5-7 business days.
Please note: because we are still in the early stages of our funding strategy, we are not accepting grant applications at this time.
Sandgaard Foundation report
The Sandgaard Foundation report identifies three focus areas to help mitigate opioid crisis
Report highlights funding shortage and need for collaboration
The Sandgaard Foundation—a private, Denver-based foundation created to help end the opioid epidemic— released a comprehensive report identifying national blind spots in funding and key areas that align with its mission to combat the crisis:
reduce harm and save lives
remove the stigma of addiction
support long-term recovery and recovery awareness
To generate the 36-page report, the foundation retained Denver-based philanthropic advisory firm Hammer & Associates to conduct an in-depth review of the opioid crisis landscape and identify gaps in funding and programs. The research included interviews with nine grant-maker groups across 13 states, 14 issue experts and nonprofits, in addition to reviews of more than 50 opioid and recovery related websites, articles, and reports from various entities.
For each key area, the foundation will seek to support innovative solutions. The foundation’s research found that the most effective way to save lives from opioid overdose is to support organizations focused on harm reduction practices–for example, distributing naloxone and training people how to administer it. According to The Opioid Crisis Response Fund—a nonprofit that is funding targeted naloxone distribution— sinceOctober 2018, funding from OCRF saved 983 lives (3.6 a day) at an average cost of $135.86 per life saved.
Saving lives is just the beginning. Recognizing that one funder alone with limited resources cannot change the course of an entire crisis, the Sandgaard Foundation is actively pursuing strategic partnerships. Not only will Sandgaard partner with others to address prevention and advocacy, but the foundation will also focus on long-term recovery. This may include support and funding for recovery houses, recovery community organizations, sober living centers, recovery concerts and events, and peer recovery specialists.
To find out more about the foundation and its efforts, visit www.sandgaardfoundation.org and take the Sandgaard 360 survey to share your perspectives.
“Opioid misuse and overuse destroy communities and families every hour, every day across the country. Acknowledging the problem was the first step. Now it’s time to implement an effective solution—not quietly or discreetly—but as loudly as possible… and together. It’s time to bring new funders to the table.”
- Thomas Sandgaard
Founder & CEO
Getting the help you need
To end the epidemic we need to focus on prevention, treatment and recovery.
There are 14,000+ substance abuse facilities in the U.S. Find helpful resources by visiting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website dedicated to the national opioid crisis. While not a substitute for the sustained assistance of professionals and the support of loved ones, you are welcome to share your story, as well as the music that helps you heal every day, in our online community.