The opioid addiction epidemic is a national emergency and is impacting every community in our country. The implications of this crisis are far-reaching, from…
The opioid addiction epidemic is a national emergency and is impacting every community in our country. The implications of this crisis are far-reaching, from urban to suburban to rural Michigan communities. Overdoses are claiming more lives every year than car accidents. That’s why we are taking our efforts to fight this crisis to the next level.
I’m confident that we can change the trajectory of this epidemic. The state is working to raise awareness of the services, programs and resources available to arm Michiganders with the tools needed to fight and end the opioid epidemic once and for all. That includes National Drug Takeback Day, which is this Saturday.
National Drug Takeback Day is a chance to clean out your medicine cabinets and get rid of any unused prescriptions that could be dangerous if misused. While Michigan State Police posts always serve as drop off locations for these medications, there are various locations across the state participating in this important effort as well. I encourage everyone to do their part in preventing addiction that can occur through these unused substances and clean out their cabinets this Saturday. You can look up drop off sites near you at takebackday.dea.gov.
I was proud to chair the Michigan Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Task Force in 2015, which unveiled recommendations to combat this crisis and increase available resources in this fight. Since then we have made progress in implementing recommendations, but the death toll continues to rise. We have a lot of work to do to impart change on our communities.
More: Michigan unveils information to combat opioid epidemic
The State of Michigan is using every available tool and resource to combat this epidemic, with state agencies working hand-in-hand to amplify our efforts related to prevention, treatment, education and enforcement of over-prescribers. Efforts include:
To make finding information about this growing epidemic easier, this week the state launched a new website, www.michigan.gov/opioids, bringing all opioid addiction information and resources in one convenient spot. Having a single location for this information will help Michiganders better access the life-saving help they need without the worry of knowing where to look.
In order to truly end the opioid addiction epidemic, we need to work together and increase understanding of how we can prevent future addiction and how those suffering from addiction can obtain treatment and services.
Addiction is a healthcare issue and we need to focus on addiction prevention and treatment to beat it. Every single life has value. Public policy should focus on giving more second chances at life and fewer funerals.
Brian Calley is Lt. Governor of Michigan.
If you or someone you know needs help with substance abuse, please call the National Substance Abuse Hotline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
