Although President Trump announced in August that he was declaring the opioid epidemic a national emergency, he has not yet taken formal steps to do so, CBS News reports.
The White House has announced President Trump will nominate Pennsylvania Congressman Tom Marino to lead the Office of National Drug Control Policy, according to The Washington Post.
President Trump this week promised to win the fight against the opioid epidemic, but declined to act on a recommendation to declare a national emergency. He offered no new recommendations, Reuters reports.
At least 17 states have passed laws limiting painkiller prescribing, The Washington Post reports. Some states have enacted measures that limit opioid prescriptions to five or seven days, while others have passed dosage limits.
President Trump’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis called on him this week to declare a national emergency to tackle the nation’s opioid epidemic.
Twenty Democratic senators are asking the Office of National Drug Control Policy to do more to combat the opioid epidemic, according to the Associated Press.
Legislators from states that have legalized marijuana are pushing back against a federal crackdown on the drug, led by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
Are you struggling with a son or daughter’s substance use? Connect with a parent counselor who will listen and help you find answers. All communications are free and confidential.
