Hudson Joins Trump for Opioid Announcement
October 26, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2017
October 26, 2017
Hudson Joins Trump for Opioid Announcement
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today as part of his ongoing effort to combat the opioid crisis, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) is joining President Donald Trump at the White House for his announcement to declare the opioid crisis a public health emergency.
“I applaud the President for taking this needed action to combat the opioid crisis,” said Rep. Hudson. “This is a great step because it helps better focus and coordinate the resources of the federal government on this priority. Combatting the opioid crisis is an ongoing challenge. We will continue to learn, to improve and to find the best ways to support communities. There is no silver bullet solution, and that’s why making this a public health emergency is warranted. It’s going to take all of us – law enforcement, families, doctors, local officials, parents, teachers, legislators, and more – working together to turn this crisis around, save lives and restore our communities.”
Because of his critical work and leadership on this issue, Rep. Hudson was the only member of Congress from the North Carolina delegation in attendance. In addition, Rep. Hudson joined the Energy and Commerce Committee for a hearing on Wednesday on the opioid epidemic and the federal response. As a leader on the committee, Rep. Hudson continues to be on the front lines of the committee’s work to learn more about how and why the opioid epidemic happened and what legislative solutions can be pursued.
Last Congress, Rep. Hudson helped the committee lead two major initiatives being signed into law that provide critical resources for combating the crisis. The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act includes 11 committee bills which ranged from additional resources to combat the epidemic to establishing an inter-agency task force to review, modify and update best practices for pain management and how it is prescribed. In September 2017, HHS released $144.1 million, largely through CARA to help prevent and treat opioid addiction. The21st Century Cures Act provides $1 billion in state grants to be applied to the fight on the front lines. The first half of these grants were issued in April 2017 and totaled $485 million. The second half will be issued in 2018. To learn more, click here.
Earlier this week, Rep. Hudson issued a public service announcement to notify constituents about the Drug Enforcement Administration’s upcoming National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, to be held on October 28, 2017. Click here to watch the video. The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. To find a National Take Back Day collection site near you, visit takebackday.dea.gov or call Congressman Hudson's office at 704-786-1612.
###
Issues:Health Care