President Trump has declared the on-going opioid crisis a public health emergency. The Department of Health and Human Services will now designate the opioid overdose epidemic as a nationwide health emergency. This will allow DHHS to cut down on bureaucratic delays, allocate staff and resources more quickly, and otherwise have more flexibility for dealing with the crisis.
“As Americans, we cannot allow this to continue. It is time to liberate our communities from this scourge of drug addiction. Never been this way. We can be the generation that ends the opioid epidemic. We can do it.” – Trump
Since the emergency was declared by the DHHS instead of under the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, FEMA money cannot be tapped. FEMA is already overstretched, struggling to provide relief for those areas affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Add in on-going wildfires and other challenges, and it’s unlikely that FEMA would be able to offer much assistance.
Without additional funding, however, DHHS will also struggle to provide any significant extra resources. The agency has only around $57,000 in its public health emergency funds. DHHS isn’t helpless however, they will be able to dispatch personnel more quickly to combat opioid abuse, and will also be able to expand telemedicine services. These services are especially important for rural areas, many of which have been heavily impacted by the drug epidemic.
Deaths from opioid abuse jumped from about 20,000 in 2010 to 35,000 in 2015.
With Congress currently looking to set next year’s budget, it is possible that more funds will be allocated to combat the emergency. By declaring opioid abuse a national emergency before any budget has been set, President Trump may be able to pressure Congress into addressing the issue.
Opioid drug use has hit epidemic levels, and deaths have skyrocketed in recent years. More than 64,000 people died from drug overdose in 2016. In 2010, less than 40,000 people died from drug overdose. Deaths from opioid abuse specifically jumped from about 20,000 in 2010 to 35,000 in 2015.
“I learned myself. I had a brother, Fred. Great guy, best-looking guy, best personality – much better than mine. But he had a problem. He had a problem with alcohol. And he would tell me: ‘Don’t drink. Don’t drink.’ ” -Donald Trump
President Trump is a teetotaler. His older brother Freddie Jr. died at the age of 43 after falling ill with pneumonia. He struggled with alcohol abuse, which had ruined his career as a pilot. The President cited his brother while discussing the opioid crisis.
With opioids, many people fall into a downward spiral that often starts with prescription drugs. In some cases, these drugs may be prescribed. In other cases, they may be street bought. Once hooked on the these types of painkillers, they become more at risk for abusing heroin and other narcotics. These drugs typically offer a stronger high at a cheaper price.
