Congressman Kevin Cramer issued the following statement today after President Donald J. Trump officially declared the opioid crisis a nationwide public health emergency:
"We all understand the necessity to address the opioid crisis as soon as possible, and I appreciate the President's actions today to streamline and jumpstart programs to prevent addiction and make sure those who need treatment, get it. Opioid addiction doesn't know race, gender, or income status, and we must work on eradicating the stigma that surrounds those battling addiction. I look forward to collaborating further with the President and Congress to quickly address the drug addiction crisis in our country, and I thank him for working to protect the most vulnerable among us."
Eliminating this stigma connected with addiction was one of the main topics First Lady Kathryn Burgum discussed with Cramer during her visit to Washington today.