National Parents' Day amid the opioid epidemic

July 22 marks National Parents Day — when we will honor the dedication and sacrifice of parents across the country. But against the backdrop of the opioid epidemic, this special day appears a little less bright. It’s hard not to think about the thousands of children who have been abused, entered foster care, or are being raised by other family members, as a result of parents addicted to opioids.

Much of the reporting about the opioid epidemic focuses on who is to blame for the crisis and possible public policy solutions, as well it should. But, our society will be managing the collateral damage of the opioid crisis for decades to come — in statehouses and homes across America.

With an estimated 27 million people using illicit drugs or misusing prescription medications in the U.S. each year, more and more children are being forced to find new homes. Sadly, abuse is a real concern when drugs are part of a child’s home life. Hospitals are reporting spikes in the numbers of opioid-addicted newborns, children are witnessing the horror of parental overdoses, and many are living in decrepit circumstances without heat, electricity, or proper meals.

In fact, between 2012 and 2016, the national foster care system population rose by 10 percent, coinciding with the rise of the opioid epidemic, according to data from the Department Health and Human Services. In West Virginia, which has the highest overdose rate in the country, the foster population has risen by 42 percent since 2014. On National Parents Day, we ought to recognize foster parents for their tremendous contributions.

Similarly, grandparents and other family members often step in to fill the void left by parents struggling with addiction. Today, more than one million American children live with their grandparents, primarily due to the opioid crisis, according to a recent 60 Minutes report. Instead of enjoying the relaxed life of retirement, these older Americans are thrust back into parenthood, in many cases costing them the savings they’ve spent a lifetime building.