Capito Statement on President Obama's Visit to West Virginia

Statement

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement after attending President Obama's community discussion in Charleston, West Virginia today about the heroin and prescription drug abuse epidemic in America. President Obama also announced new public and private sector efforts to address this epidemic. Michael Botticelli, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), who visited West Virginia with Senator Capito earlier this year for a drug prevention roundtable, and West Virginia native and Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Burwell also attended today's event.

"I appreciate President Obama traveling to West Virginia today to address a devastating problem -- the growing drug epidemic harming our communities, families and loved ones -- and raise needed attention about the issues facing the Mountain State. Several of the efforts announced by the administration today enjoy bipartisan support and are important steps to end prescription drug abuse and heroin use, improve access to treatment and stem this mounting public health concern.

"Over the past several months, I have worked with local communities, law enforcement, health professionals and others to develop a spectrum of solutions to curb this epidemic and am pleased we have a partner in the White House on this issue. While we still have a long road ahead, I am encouraged that with ongoing efforts in Congress and the new efforts announced by the administration today, we can make meaningful strides toward a drug-free West Virginia."

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