Governor Cooper voted today to send the Draft Interim Report of the Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis to President Trump. The Commission’s vote to send the interim report was unanimous. The interim report can be found here.
“This report contains important recommendations that should move forward, including a focus on Medication Assisted Treatment, prescription drug monitoring and improving access to naloxone. But it is incomplete when it comes to making sure all Americans have access to affordable health care which includes mental health and substance abuse treatment,” said Governor Cooper. “I support this interim report but I urge the commission to make a stronger stand on the accessibility and affordability of health care. Medical and law enforcement experts believe treatment is the most effective way to tackle the opioid crisis and if this commission fails to speak out against efforts to reduce access to health care, we will be fighting with one hand tied behind our back.”
Last month, Cooper presented a State Opioid Action Plan that lays out bold action to stem the opioid epidemic.