Trump opens the way for real action to be taken against drug companies and doctors to fight against the opioid epidemic. It’s the first step to truly help families and individuals affected by the health hazard.
Trump spoke directly to attendees, some of which were families devastated by the drug, calling for action “as American’s we cannot allow this to continue”. His official declaration of emergency will bring aid to those in need.
Trump also Shared his Heartfelt personal story about a friend who struggled with addictions. Its refreshing to have such an honest P.O.T.U.S who openly admits his own flaws.
A Brief Clip of President Trump’s Speech Below.
As reported by Barnini Chakraborty with Fox News.
“Your declaration would empower your Cabinet to take bold steps and would force Congress to focus on funding and empowering the executive branch even further to deal with this loss of life,” the Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis wrote. “It would also awaken every American to this simple fact: If this scourge has not found you or your family yet, without bold action by everyone, it soon will.”
However, White House officials told reporters Thursday morning that a national emergency declaration was not necessary in the case of opioids.
The public health emergency will “reorient all of the federal government and executive branch resources toward focusing on providing relief to this urgent need.”
Past instances of public health emergencies include the H1N1 influenza outbreak in 2009.
Since the commission released its report, Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price has stepped down from his post while Trump’s pick for drug czar, Rep. Tom Marino, withdrew his nomination.
At an event at the Heritage Foundation earlier Thursday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said it’s important to “reestablish the view that people should say no to drugs.”
“I do think this whole country needs to not be so lackadaisical about drugs,” he said. “Much of the addiction starts with marijuana. It is not a harmless drug.”
