STAT Reporter Lev Facher Receives 2025 Loeb Award for Investigative Series on Opioid Crisis

STAT's Recent Triumph at the 2025 Loeb Awards

On October 10, 2025, BOSTON's very own Lev Facher, an addiction reporter for STAT, was honored with the coveted 2025 Loeb Award. This highest accolade in business and financial journalism was awarded for his compelling explanatory reporting presented in the series titled 'The War on Recovery'. This six-part series shed light on the harsh realities of how the United States continues to deny essential medications that could save lives for individuals grappling with opioid addiction.

This award marks a significant milestone for STAT, as it is the second consecutive year and the third time since the publication's inception in 2015, that they have donned such an honor. Facher received the award during a prestigious ceremony held at the historic Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Center, New York City, where fellow finalists and prominent figures in journalism were in attendance.

The Impact of 'The War on Recovery'

In his acceptance speech, Facher expressed that 'The War on Recovery' aims to highlight America's struggles with the opioid crisis, emphasizing that many have resigned themselves to losing hope in finding effective solutions. He articulated that while numerous other countries have worked diligently to broaden access to lifesaving medicaments, the U.S. seems to be working counterproductively by enforcing stricter regulations. Facher hopes that his series can serve as a reminder of the unparalleled severity of the current drug epidemic, prompting both government and private sectors towards actionable change.

In addition to Facher's individual recognition, STAT also merits mention for having two other finalists this year. Adam Feuerstein was a finalist in the commentary category for his work ‘Adam Feuerstein Truth-Teller on the Biotech Industry.’ Furthermore, Casey Ross and a team including Lizzy Lawrence, Bob Herman, and Tara Bannow earned finalist positions in the beat reporting category through their series ‘Health Care’s Colossus,’ which unveiled how UnitedHealth Group magnifies its physician domination for increased profits.

These achievements reflect STAT's commitment to robust journalism, particularly in addressing critical health and societal issues. The publication investigates and reports with a focus on intricate topics, often shining a spotlight on underreported areas in healthcare.

Exposing a System in Need of Reform

Facher's series 'The War on Recovery' confronts the prevailing perceptions surrounding the opioid epidemic by debunking the myth that the crisis is insurmountable. Through diligent research, the series illustrates that medications like methadone and buprenorphine possess the potential to avert tens of thousands of overdose-related deaths each year. His investigation underscored severe ramifications stemming from stringent methadone protocols, alongside the alarming rejections from jails and recovery programs regarding medication access. Moreover, Facher revealed an unsettling reality concerning private equity firms, noting that they currently dominate approximately one-third of the nation’s methadone clinics and typically lobby to sustain their exclusive rights over providing necessary treatment.

With an impact that extends beyond mere journalism, 'The War on Recovery' provoked two congressional inquiries into the implications of private equity-backed treatment programs identified within STAT's reporting. A bipartisan group of legislators, led by Senator Edward Markey (D-Mass.), expressed apprehension over these programs prioritizing profit over patient welfare in their letter addressed to one of the clinic chains.

Moreover, the series inspired research undertakings at esteemed institutions like Harvard and Virginia Commonwealth University, established discussions in academic circles, and has been a topic of discourse at various conferences. A notable Boston Globe editorial, complemented by radio and television segments, further expounded upon the topic following the series' publication.

Previous Awards and Recognition

This accolade for Lev Facher serves as a testament not only to his hard work but also highlights STAT's commitment to impactful journalism, which in the past has been categorized as 'defeatist'. As remarked by Rick Berke, STAT's co-founder and executive editor, Facher's work provides a vision of what an evidence-based response to the overdose crisis should look like. The push towards effective healthcare solutions could reshape the narrative surrounding the opioid crisis towards one of hope and actionable change.

Before entering this role, Facher joined STAT as a Washington reporter in 2016 and has since reported on addiction issues since 2022, contributing significantly to the series and its various recognitions, including receiving first place in the AHCJ Awards for Health Care Journalism. The Loeb Awards, established in 1957, and presented by the UCLA Anderson School of Management since 1973, continue to uphold high standards in journalism. Each recognition embodies the pursuit of truth and accountability, which remains vital in a rapidly evolving world where public awareness of issues assists in fostering change.