Senator Hassan Statement on President Trump Directing Acting HHS Secretary to Declare the Opioid Crisis a Public Health Emergency

WASHINGTON – Senator Maggie Hassan released the following statement after attending President Trump’s announcement at the White House, where he directed the Acting Health and Human Services Secretary to declare the opioid crisis a public health emergency:

“First and foremost, we need real resources in order to make a difference in combating the opioid epidemic. While declaring the opioid crisis a public health emergency is a positive step forward in our efforts to combat this epidemic, additional resources are still urgently needed. It is now time for the President to put his words into action, starting with supporting our call for additional funding to those on the front lines in New Hampshire and across the United States who are combating this devastating crisis. He should also use the public health emergency to immediately direct Health and Human Services to negotiate lower prices for naloxone, which would help expand access to the lifesaving overdose reversal drug. I remain ready and eager to work with anyone who is serious about taking real action to support law enforcement and strengthen prevention, treatment, and recovery – and it will take a real commitment of resources to do that.”

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