Charlie Baker signs agreement to fight opioid epidemic
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker is one of 46 governors who signed the Compact to Fight Opioid Addiction Wednesday, according to the National Governors Association (NGA).
Bringing governors together around core strategies to end the opioid epidemic adds momentum behind state efforts. @NatlGovsAssoc #NGA2016
— Charlie Baker (@MAGovArchive) July 13, 2016
It also sends a clear signal to opioid prescribers & others whose leadership is critical to saving lives. #NGA2016 https://t.co/6GU8zqx9zC
— Charlie Baker (@MAGovArchive) July 13, 2016
MA is proud to bring our plans to the table for other states as we work together to find meaningful solutions to the opioid crisis. #NGA2016
— Charlie Baker (@MAGovArchive) July 13, 2016
Baker was joined by New England governors Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, Daniel Malloy of Connecticut, Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island, and Peter Shumlin of Vermont signed the agreement that will drastically increase efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.
This is the first time in more than 10 years that governors have developed such an accord through the NGA to stimulate a coordinated effort on a national issue, according to the organization.
By signing the compact, governors are committing to fight opioid addiction by taking steps to reduce inappropriate prescribing, change the public’s understanding of addiction and opioids, and ensure a road to recovery for addicted individuals, the NGA said.
The compact originated from the 2016 NGA Winter Meeting in February, where governors outlined the need for federal action to support state and collaboration with the private sector.
“Governors have been leading the fight against opioid addiction, implementing a range of bold public health and law enforcement strategies in each of our states,” said Hassan, who led the compact with Baker. “But this horrible national epidemic continues to require urgent action and constant vigilance.”
In 2014, more Americans died from drug overdoses than in any year on record, the NGA said. The association said they will report on steps governors have taken to meet their commitments at the 2017 Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C.
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