On Tuesday March 31, at the CVS Pharmacy on Oro Dam Blvd, the never-ending pick-up line at the pharmacy counter ebbed and flowed at a steady pace. And commiseration ensued at the difficulties that residents have had to go through to simply get their pain medication filled near home.

Patients of Oroville are suffering a pain crisis; caught between their prescribed medical treatments and state regulations that decide “how many pain meds they’ll send each pharmacy,” as the lead pharmacist at the drop-off counter explained.

For many living with chronic or degenerative illnesses, the need for regular access to pain medication is critical to the quality of their everyday life. With many foregoing other medications to afford the joy of relief from chronic pain, it starts to sink in just how quickly state regulations can be thrown off balance.

When asked what residents can do to help pharmacies fill scripts and correct the issue, the pharmacist’s answer was to “consider oxycodone”, which is less regulated. But for patients on the slow-release capsules, this is no simple matter and requires significant oversight to balance the transition between the two drugs. Not to mention a new script for a new drug from their doctor or hospital.

Is there an automatic vacuum maxing out the state regulated allotments of scripts if the Oroville hospital is fronting medical care for the greater area and travelers? This presents as an ongoing concern after learning Marysville residents recently underwent the same restrictions, leaving patients there no choice but to adapt to longer travel times and financial impacts of the state’s decision.