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Trump to direct government to declare opioid crisis a nationwide public health emergency - The Boston Globe

posted onOctober 27, 2017
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Article snippet: Most popular on BostonGlobe.com Based on what you've read recently, you might be interested in theses stories WASHINGTON (AP) — In ringing terms, President Donald Trump on Thursday declared the opioid crisis a nationwide public health emergency — a step that won’t bring new dollars to fight a scourge that kills nearly 100 Americans a day but will expand access to medical services in rural areas, among other changes. ‘‘This epidemic is a national health emergency,’’ Trump said in a speech at the White House, where he bemoaned a crisis he said had spared no segment of American society. ‘‘As Americans we cannot allow this to continue,’’ he said. At times speaking on personal terms, Trump outlined his plan for combatting the crisis that is killing more than 100 Americans a day. He said prevention was key in stemming the opioid crisis, recalling the alcoholism of his brother, Fred. Trump said his brother often told him not to drink, and Trump took his advice to heart. Here’s a quick primer on what the designation could mean for states and addicts seeking treatment. Administration officials have made clear that the declaration, which lasts for 90 days and can be renewed, comes with no dedicated dollars. But they said it will allow them to use existing money to better fight the crisis. Officials also said they would urge Congress, during end-of-the year budget negotiations, to add new cash to a public health emergency fund that Congress hasn’t replen... Link to the full article to read more

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