Everyone’s Talking About Fighting Opioid Crisis, But Advocates Still Aren’t Seeing Any New Money
President Donald Trump plans to discuss the national epidemic with administration officials on Thursday, following this week's Capitol Hill hearings, about ways to curb the crisis. But advocates on the front lines are struggling with deep funding challenges.
NPR:
State Opioid Efforts Falter Without Federal Funding Support
Opioids are on the White House agenda Thursday — President Trump plans to talk with members of his administration about the crisis. Meanwhile, all around the United States, state legislators, treatment providers, families and many others will be listening. The administration's other opioid efforts have, so far, yielded no new money. Congress authorized funds in its recent budget deal — but those dollars aren't flowing yet, and states say they are struggling. (Daley and Fortier, 3/1)
CQ:
House Panel Debates Opioid Bills
The House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee kicked off debate Wednesday on eight bills addressing opioid abuse that were focused on the enforcement of controlled substances and patient safety. While five of the bills were bipartisan, a few bills generated hot debates. Earlier this month, Energy and Commerce Chairman Greg Walden, R-Ore., called addressing the epidemic a top legislative priority for the year. He noted during the hearing that opioid overdose deaths were five times higher than in 1999. (Raman, 2/28)
The Hill:
Dem Urges DEA To Release Data On Opioid Distributors
A Democratic lawmaker is urging the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to release data on the distribution of opioids across the country to those involved in hundreds of lawsuits against opioid manufacturers and distributors. “I would just encourage the DEA to be as responsive as possible,” Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) told a DEA official during a House Energy and Commerce health subcommittee hearing Wednesday. (Roubein, 2/28)
And in other news —
Health News Florida:
Needle Exchange Program Could Expand In South Florida
An effort to expand a needle-exchange program statewide was scrapped Tuesday by a House health care committee, which agreed to extend the Miami-Dade County program to two additional Southeast Florida counties. “In the spirit of baby steps, I encourage you to support this,” Rep. Cary Pigman, R-Avon Park, told members of the House Health & Human Services Committee. (2/28)
