Kennedy Urges Federal Government to Address the Epidemic with the Same Focus and Funding Given to the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in the 90s
Washington, DC / November 1, 2017 – The President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis will convene its fifth and final meeting today, 1:30 until 3:30 p.m. ET. Commissioners will listen to remarks by invited guests from the criminal justice system, addiction treatment facilities, and individual whose lives have been directly impacted by substance use disorders. The meeting will include a discussion of and vote on the Commission’s final recommendations to the Trump Administration. To view the proposed recommendations, to be posted prior to the meeting, click here.
Ahead of the Commission’s full recommendations, former Congressman Kennedy renewed his call for the Administration to declare the Opioid epidemic an emergency under the Stafford Act, and to fully address this public health crisis with the same focus and funding given to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1990s. To view his full statement, click here.
In October, Congressman Kennedy outlined his proposed recommendations to the full Commission. To view his detailed solutions to remedying the Opioid epidemic, click here.
Earlier this year, President Trump issued Executive Order 13784 creating the Commission. To view the full agenda, click here. The meeting will be live streamed by the White House. To view, click here.
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About The Kennedy Forum
Founded in 2013 by former Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy (D-R.I.), The Kennedy Forum focuses on advancing evidence-based practices, policies, and programming in mental health and substance use issues. This is achieved through promoting public discourse in health and addiction issues, ensuring equal coverage for patients living with mental health and/or substance use disorders; and advancing prevention and treatment throughout the entire continuum of the healthcare delivery system. The Kennedy Forum’s collaborative partnerships help to foster greater provider accountability, integration and coordination, cutting-edge technologies, and brain fitness and health. The nonprofit organization publishes frequent issue briefs and is a repository of other educational resources on parity issues. To learn more about The Kennedy Forum’s efforts, please visit www.thekennedyforum.org
