Rep. Hudson, Mayor Robertson Hold Opioid Roundtable
August 16, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16, 2016
Rep. Hudson, Mayor Robertson Hold Opioid Roundtable
CONCORD, N.C.– Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) and Fayetteville Mayor Nat Robertson held a roundtable discussion at Fayetteville City Hall with the Fayetteville Opioid Task Force to discuss ways to combat the growing prescription drug and opioid abuse crisis, as well as the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, a bipartisan law Rep. Hudson helped champion to tackle America’s opioid epidemic.
"Heroin and opioid addiction is an epidemic across our country, devastating people regardless of race, class, age or religion. I applaud Mayor Robertson and the Task Force for taking the proactive steps to combat the opioid addiction that's ravaging the nation,” said Rep. Hudson.“I'm here today to discuss the work I'm doing in Congress to give folks more resources to combat opioid addiction and look for ways we can work together to fight this issue on all levels."
“There are no words to describe the appreciation I have for Congressman Hudson and those Task Force members who joined us for this open and painfully truthful discussion on the issues surrounding opioid addiction and abuse,” said Mayor Nat Robertson.“The good news coming out of today's roundtable is that we all left with a greater knowledge of the issues from all perspectives. The subject matter experts in the room really gave us a ‘down to earth’ understanding of how this epidemic affects us all locally as well as nationally.”
In addition to Rep. Hudson and Mayor Robertson, in attendance were: Deborah Teasley, Ph.D., President & CEO, Southern Regional AHEC; Buck Wilson, Director, Cumberland County Health Department; Elizabeth Goolsby, Director, Fayetteville VA; Colonel Lance Raney, Commander, Womack Army Medical Center; Dr. Alan Shay Davis; Detective Shelia Valdez, Fayetteville PD, LEAD Program; Judge Lou Olivera, District Court Judge.
The roundtable discussion is a part of Rep. Hudson's "A Better Way to Fight Poverty" tour across North Carolina this week to discuss ways to provide opportunities that enable people to move up the ladder of opportunity and break free from the cycle of poverty. Rep. Hudson is visiting several local organizations that are making a difference on the front lines of the fight against poverty to highlight their good work and discuss "A Better Way to Fight Poverty." In addition, he will visit with a group of North Carolina pastors to discuss the important role churches and the faith community play in combating poverty.
As a Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Hudson is deeply invested in working with local officials to determine how to improve public health response efforts to prevent and treat prescription drug and heroin abuse to restore our communities and save lives. The committee has been leading the charge to help individuals, families and communities impacted by opioid abuse and addiction.
In July, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 (S. 524) was signed into law. This important law promotes innovative treatment and care, improves education and prevention, and improves law enforcement efforts, among other provisions. It is recognized by leading national advocates as “the critical response we need.” To read the Joint Explanatory Statement on the opioid reform legislation, click here. To view the Section-by-Section summary, as provided by the Committee on Energy and Commerce, click here.
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Issues:Health Care