While campaigning, I have listened to far too many tragic stories about men and women who have fallen to opioid addiction and to families who have lost a loved one as a result of opioid use.
Delaware was ranked second in the nation for drug-related overdose deaths in 2018 and first in the country for prescribing high-dose opioids and long-acting opioids. Change is needed to fight this epidemic head-on. We need a comprehensive program that includes early intervention, medication intervention, and long-term treatment.
I have been on the front lines fighting for reform to help those and the families of those addicted to opioids.
I prime-sponsored HJR 6, which calls on the Behavioral Health Consortium to issue legislative and regulatory recommendations to increase access to the total number of Medication Assisted Treatment prescribers among all providers.
I also co-sponsored Senate Bill 34, a bill that creates an impact fee paid by the pharmaceutical manufacturer to supports prevention and treatment services.
Additionally, I sponsored an opioid addiction information service at the Claymont Community Center for everyone to gain a better understanding of the services that the State of Delaware provides. I will continue my effort to support a comprehensive program.
Click here to see all the issues.
PHOTO: State Senator Stephanie Hansen, Ray, and New Castle County Executive Matt Meyers.