Opioid Crisis

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my greatest concern and the urgency to act now to address our Nation's opioid crisis and drug overdoses.

At the height of the pandemic in 2020 we saw record numbers of overdoses across the country, and in Michigan we saw even more alarming rates. In 2020, the opioid crisis claimed the loved ones of over 2,400 Michiganders and communities like Ecorse, Michigan, in the 13th District, has seen the highest overdose rates in our State.

The physical and mental health of our communities are under siege. We must do more and act with urgency to save lives. Accessibility to preventive treatments and resources for harm reduction is critical in keeping our communities safe.

Also, we must not forget the importance of holding for-profit Big Pharma companies accountable in fueling this epidemic through the sale of higher doses of opioids to our communities. We must make the bold action to remove the stigma as well of this crisis, create equitable treatment plans, and expand access to harm reduction tools for those who need help.

I applaud the administration for understanding the importance of this issue, but our communities can't wait another year for a grant or another study. We must hold the corporate profiteers accountable and get the boots on the ground to address this crisis.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source