Rhode Island Governor Gina M. Raimondo released the following statement today calling on the Trump Administration to do more to address the nation's opioid overdose epidemic:
"The opioid crisis in our state and nation is the most urgent public health crisis we have faced since the HIV/AIDS outbreak. I've attended the funerals of too many constituents and too many of my friends' kids who have lost their lives because of this crisis. If we're going to end it and save lives, states like Rhode Island need resources from the President and his administration, not rhetoric.
"In Rhode Island, we've invested in treatment and prevention, and we've expanded support for recovery. President Trump's announcement today falls short and shows that he does not fully understand the scope and real-life impact that this crisis has had on Rhode Islanders and Americans who have been directly touched by addiction and overdose."
Governor Raimondo supported and signed legislation that limited opioid prescription dosages. Since she's taken office, she led the effort to secure funding to establish Centers of Excellence in multiple locations across the state. Additionally, the state has increased funding through Medicaid to support access to peer recovery coaches. Under the Governor's leadership and the direction of the Departments of Health; Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals; and Corrections, Rhode Island has made medication-assisted treatment available at the Adult Corrections Institute.
Governor Raimondo's Overdose Prevention and Treatment Action Plan has been recognized by the National Governor's Association as a model plan.