Tennessee recently received federal assistance for the opioid epidemic. | Courtesy of Shutterstock
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Amanda Rupp | Jul 19, 2016

Tennessee to receive federal help for opioid epidemic

President Barack Obama’s desk will soon receive a bill that is designed to help Tennessee in its efforts against the ongoing opioid epidemic, which is responsible for killing more Tennessee residents than gunshots or car accidents.

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) recently encouraged Obama to add his signature to the bipartisan conference committee report that is meant to reform the current opioid programs. Current programs receive sponsorship from Sens. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

The bill for reform has already received approval from the U.S. Senate. Speaker Paul Ryan passed the conference committee report early last week.

“Each year, more than 1,000 Tennesseans die from opioid abuse or overdose — this is an epidemic taking more Tennessee lives than car accidents or gunshots do,” Alexander said. “The way to fight this epidemic is not to wage a distant battle from Washington, but for Washington to support those who are fighting on the front lines. That battle is being fought state by state, county by county, doctor’s office by doctor’s office. This legislation should provide a substantial boost in this ongoing battle. Today is a landmark victory for those Tennesseans who are on the front lines. I’m urging the president to sign this bill without delay.”

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