Bilirakis Assists Local Authorities in Combatting Prescription Drug Diversion

Press Release

Representative Gus Bilirakis, member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, today successfully petitioned for Pasco County's entry into the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program. HIDTA is a federal grant program that provides resources and funds to local law enforcement entities and other authorities in specially designated areas of the United States to address drug trafficking.

"In my Congressional district, Pasco County had dozens of oxycodone-caused deaths -- some of the highest rates in Florida. Although serious strides have been made over the past few years, we still have a lot of work to do. I advocated for Pasco County to be a part of the HIDTA program, and I am happy to announce its inclusion," said Bilirakis. "We have fantastic local law enforcement in Pasco County. Being a part of the HIDTA means more money and resources for them to combat prescription drug abuse and drug trafficking. By working together on a federal and local level, we can solve the problem."

Congressman Bilirakis has on multiple occasions discussed the prescription abuse crisis, and his own legislation, H.R. 3392, the Medicare Part D Patient Safety and Drug Abuse Prevention Act,would establish a Safe Pharmacy Access Program, which prevents high-risk beneficiaries from abusing controlled substances. It is a cost-saving measure utilized by private industry, TRICARE, and state Medicaid programs.

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