President Obama Unveils Health Care Partnerships to Combat Opioid Abuse

According to the Obama administration, more Americans die every year of drug overdoses than in vehicle crashes. “I didn’t have just one stint in treatment, I didn’t have just one go at this, but I had people who stood by me, who cared… and what they imparted to me that entire time was not to give up on myself”.

The prevalence of heroin and prescription drug abuse in the U.S.is a national emergency, though clinicians, social workers and policymakers have voiced diverging opinions on the best way to address it.

State officials say the problem is damaging the economy, depressing the workforce and overwhelming social services.

“If you are a parent … you can relate”.

“I don’t have to tell you this is a terrible toll”, Obama said. They remind us that these are our kids. This is all of us in every school, in every community, in every neighborhood. It could be your child.

Obama also noted that the nation should work to reduce stigma surrounding substance use disorders.

The state has been plagued by a jump in heroin overdoses since 2011 as well as deaths from abuse of prescription drugs. He also announced new federal initiatives to battle those problems.

Susan Shumate from the Charleston Gazette-Mail stands with David Grubb, a father who shared his story about witnessing his daughter’s overdose.

One substance that has been on a dramatic rise is heroin, which opioids are invented to replicate. CADCA applauds President Obama’s commitment to reducing prescription drug misuse and opioid abuse with these kinds of resources. “It is destroying families and shattering communities all across the country”.

“We should approach substance abuse as an opportunity to intervene, not incarcerate”, said the president.

Obama said the United States has under-invested in treatment and care, but said there is growing bi-partisan support for more care and treatment facilities. “As physicians, we know that it is our responsibility to help provide a clear road map that will help bring an end to this epidemic, and we are dedicated to showing the leadership our patients need and deserve to once-and-for-all bring an end to this public health crisis”.

Obama announced plans for federal agencies to ensure that training is provided for prescribers of opiate-based painkillers, which are often a gateway to heroin.

Among those excited about his visit was Danita Holyfield, who traveled to Charleston from Clarksburg on Wednesday.

Obama has also directed the Department of Health and Human Services to locate barriers in the nation’s healthcare system that would prevent expanded access and come up with actionable plans to start breaking down those barriers.

He said economic development and broad-based growth are part of the solution, noting that part of the Mountain State’s drug problem “has to do with economics”. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Wednesday that he was pleased by the president’s announcement.

Experts say few prescription drug health care providers are properly trained to safely prescribe painkillers, while access to medication-assisted treatment for addicts is too difficult.

The President’s Fiscal Year 2016 budget includes $133 million in new investments aimed at addressing the opioid epidemic, including expanding state-level prescription drug overdose prevention strategies.