Opioid-related deaths increased nearly 60% in just two years during the pandemic, and that intensified the focus on treating opioid use disorder. But are some treatments more effective at helping people find a job and stay employed?

Federal Reserve Bank of Boston Senior Economist and Policy Advisor Mary Burke answers that question in the latest episode of Six Hundred Atlantic. In the interview, Mary breaks down her findings on the correlation between treatment with certain opioid use disorder medications and a person’s employment prospects. You can read the full report she co-authored with Senior Policy Analyst Riley Sullivan, “Can Treatment with Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Improve Employment Prospects? Evidence from Rhode Island Medicaid Enrollees.”

In the interview, Burke said the research ties directly into the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate, since one piece of the mandate is to maximize employment.

“If we help more people get access to medications for opioid use disorder, and if it's understood that this not only saves lives but could potentially boost employment prospects, then that could help more people move into the labor force and find jobs,” she said.

Listen to the episode above, or on the episode page.