“On Thursday, I had the opportunity to participate in the White House Opioid Summit held in the East Room. This event represented the very first time that the administration has described its strategy for addressing the opioid tragedy. A workable national strategy is essential because opioid addiction has evolved into a major public health emergency during the past several years.”
“The written welcome from President Trump set the tone, “My Administration is committed to fighting the drug epidemic and to helping to get treatment for those in need—for those who have been so terribly hurt. Too many families and communities in America have been affected by this terrible affliction. It is robbing so many of their potential. But we can and will break the cycle, and your tireless efforts motivate us to keep up the fight…”
“A panel on prevention, treatment, and recovery followed, which was moderated by Kellyanne Conway, counselor to the president. Panelists were Secretaries Alex Azar, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); Ben Carson, Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and David Shulkin, Veterans Administration (VA). Each secretary described the strategy being employed by his respective department. Highlights included Secretary Azar’s efforts to eliminate the Medicaid Institution for Mental Disease (IMD) exclusion for substance use interventions through the 1115 waiver; Secretary Carson’s new Envision program…” Read the full article here.
Source: The White House opioid summit provides optimism – By Ron Manderscheid, March 2, 2018. Bevaioral healthcare Executive.
