10.26.17

Sullivan Applauds President for Declaring Opioid Public Health Emergency

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) attended the White House today for President Trump’s announcement that his administration will declare the opioid crisis a public health emergency, and afterward issued the following statement:

“I want to thank the President for declaring a public health emergency concerning the opioid epidemic,” said Senator Sullivan. “I applaud the flexibility and authority granted to federal agencies to address the epidemic, though we cannot effectively combat the crisis without additional funding.

“I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate and House to provide more resources to the people on the ground, as well as states and local governments who are closer to the people. This crisis effects everyone, either directly or someone they know and love. We need to work together to fight the scourge of addiction.

“I would also like to thank Governor Bill Walker, who was with me today at the White House, for declaring the opioid crisis a public health disaster in Alaska in February and extending in March.”

Background:

In October of 2015, eight Alaska women who struggle with addiction visited with Senator Sullivan in his Washington, DC office, and served as the inspiration for the Alaska Wellness Summit: Conquering the Opioid Crisis. In 2016, Senator Sullivan hosted the Summit, which featured the former U.S. Surgeon General and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary. Over the last two years, Congress with the support of Senator Sullivan, has passed the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), and the 21st Century Cures Act – which included $1 billion over two years for states to combat the opioid crisis.

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