President ’s Opioid Commission Held First Meeting

On June 16, 2017, the President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and Opioid Crisis held its first meeting to discuss ways in which to curb the current opioid epidemic through best practices of prevention and treatment. During the meeting, Commission members and panelists discussed the challenges of effectively addressing the opioid crisis through means of both prevention and treatment. The meeting also concentrated on the importance of a collaborated effort between agencies to implement comprehensive solutions. The administration reiterated their commitment to the issue, and stated that the President “cares deeply and personally about this issue.” Opening Statements Chairman Chris Christie, the Governor of New Jersey, began the meeting by stating the necessity of addressing this issue and that the administration is committed to finding effective solutions to the opioid crisis. The Chairman outlined the goals of the Commission and welcomed the testimony of the witnesses as a first step in dealing with this issue. Governor Charlie Baker praised the creation of the Commission and stated that his state (Massachusetts) has been dealing with the opioid crisis since he took office, but the adverse effects of this issue have been persistent. The Governor expressed hope that the Commission would be able to form lasting solutions to this pervasive issue. Governor Roy Cooper similarly emphasized the importance of the Commission to find consensus on effective solutions ...
Source: Policy and Medicine - Category: American Health Authors: Source Type: blogs