In this two-part series covering the history of the ARCOS data, you’ll learn how an underdog journalist’s relentless pursuit of the truth succeeded, despite insurmountable odds.

The Data Big Pharma Doesn't Want You to Know

On July 15th, DEA data covering 2006 to 2012 American opioid sales, was released to the public. The ARCOS data revealed the distribution path of every oxycodone and hydrocodone pill sold in America.  A trail of opioids from manufacturers to distributors, to pharmacies, to patients. Undeniable evidence for their responsibility for the opioid crisis.

Big Pharma didn’t hand this “smoking gun” for the opioid epidemic over easily. It wasn’t until the Charleston Gazette-Mail, and Washington Post prevailed in a fierce legal battle that ARCOS data was released. However, this was just one fight in a struggle that began long before knowledge of this crucial evidence existed. 

In part one of this two-part series covering the history of the ARCOS data, you’ll learn how an underdog journalist’s relentless pursuit of the truth succeeded, despite insurmountable odds.

Our story begins with Patrick McGinley, and Suzanne Weise, lawyers and Professors of Law at West Virginia College of Law. Hired to help investigative journalist Eric Eyre gain access to DEA and Big Pharma court records, they’ve joined us to share their role in the fight against the opioid epidemic. 
 
Listen to today’s podcast for part one of our journey into the history of the ARCOS data. You'll learn how it was finally released, and why the DEA, Justice Department, and Big Pharma tried to hide this information from the public. 

Remember to tune in next week for part two, where we interview Washington Post Investigative Journalist Scott Higham. He shares his account of the battle over the ARCOS data and what we have learned from their analysis of a 380 million record database.

Ep. 251 - The Data Big Pharma Doesn’t Want You to Know - Part 1

This past August, we started our two-part series covering the public release of the ARCOS data, the DEA’s virtual roadmap to the opioid epidemic. Today, we finish that coverage with Washington Post Investigative Reporter Scott Higham.

Scott is a Pulitzer Prize-winning member of The Post's investigations unit.  Since joining The Post in 2000, he’s examined conflicts of interest on Capitol Hill, the origins of the opioid epidemic, and much more.

With his expertise, Scott guides us through an in-depth look at the ARCOS data. We discuss what communities were hit the hardest, how this data was hidden from the public, and the people you never knew were involved.  

With so much information it can be difficult to pinpoint who’s responsible. Scott provides some much-needed clarity, but ultimately, only you can decide.

Join us on today’s Podcast we breakdown the ARCOS data, the fight to get it released, and what it means for America.

Ep. 256 - The Data Big Pharma Doesn’t Want You to Know – Part 2

The Cover2 Podcast is an ongoing series of interviews with people who are making a difference in the fight against opioid addiction. The Cover2 Podcast seeks to raise awareness and to connect users and their families with resources that can literally save a life. Listen to our most recent episodes below, and please consider donating to support this cause.

The Data Big Pharma Doesn't Want You to Know

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