Opioid Crisis Generates Bipartisan Solutions | OAS Episode 40




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Summary: The U.S. Department of Health and Human services says 116 people die each day in the United States from an overdose of opioids. This includes prescription pain relievers, heroin and synthetic opioids. It says more than 2.1 million people had an opioid use disorder in 2016. This year, the National Conference of State Legislatures created an Opioid Policy Fellows Program, open to chairs of health-related legislative committees. Through face-to-face meetings, the program is focused on health policies and programs related to the opioid crisis. We held a conversation with three attendees of a recent Opioid Policy Fellows meeting in Denver, who explain how their state is addressing the crisis and why bipartisanship is critical in approaching legislation. Our guests are: Maryland House Delegate Eric Bromwell (D) Vermont Representative Ann Pugh (D) Alaska Senator David Wilson (R) Additional Resources Transcription of Episode 40