I hope you are doing well despite the difficult times. I'm writing to give you an update on what OPIS has been up to, and ask if we can count on your support.
Much of our work in 2020 has focused on cluster "suicide" headaches, one of the most excruciating conditions known to medicine. Standard medical options are inadequate, but many patients have found dramatic relief taking psilocybin or similar substances. Because of the legal barriers, it is difficult to carry out research, doctors cannot easily prescribe these substances, and patients risk being treated as criminals if they are caught trying to relieve their pain.
As you may have seen, a few weeks ago we produced a policy paper advocating for legalised access to psilocybin and related substances for the treatment of cluster headaches. The paper was co-signed by several prominent neurologists, ethicists and other experts, and summarises existing evidence of efficacy. It also includes numerous patient testimonials - a human dimension that is often lacking and that is an important part of the evidence pool. We also produced a 2-minute animated video that vividly portrays the reality of cluster headaches and the need to remove the barriers to effective treatments.
Our paper has been featured by the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC) and by the Conservative Drug Policy Reform Group (CDPRG), which is using it to persuade UK MPs to change psilocybin scheduling.
We're working closely with cluster headache patient organisations, and we are reaching out to neurological associations, drug policy organisations and politicians in many countries to share the information and analyses and promote better treatments.
Our work continues in promoting access to effective relief to those in severe pain. We have our longer-term ambitions set high in promoting ethical governance that prioritises the prevention of intense pain and suffering of all sentient beings.
We rely heavily on private donations and would appreciate being able to count on your support. Your donation will really make a difference! You can do so from the donate section of our website.
Best wishes,
Jonathan
P.S. Below are some of the testimonials and endorsements we have received:
“Important read on how to close the global pain divide at the national level.” -Prof. Felicia Knaul, Chair of the Lancet Commission on Global Access to Palliative Care and Pain Control, re: our article on our Burkina Faso initiative
“What can be worse than experiencing intense pain without relief? I've donated to support this initiative in Burkina Faso.” -Prof. Peter Singer, ethicist, Princeton University
“Another step forward for the cluster community – OPIS has just released a policy paper advocating for legalized access to psilocybin for the treatment of cluster headache.” -Clusterbusters, a major patient advocacy organisation
“I cannot thank you Jonathan Leighton and OPIS enough.” -Tony Taipale, President, Finnish Horton (Cluster Headache) Association
“I feel really emotional, such a poignant portrayal...it illustrates the struggle so well. Thank you so much for being our ambassador." -J.H., cluster headache patient
“I am rarely speechless! Your work is astonishingly wonderful and will, I am certain, contribute to the reduction of suffering.” -Prof. Larry Schor, cluster headache researcher, Univ. of West Georgia
