CNBC: More millennials, Gen Z are dying of opioid overdoses, researchers say
By Berkeley Lovelace Jr.
The nationwide opioid epidemic has led to a sharp increase in the death rate for overdoses by teens and young adults, according to a new study. Most of those deaths were from the use of opioids, both prescription and illicit, such as heroin, the researchers say.
The New York Times: Trump Declares Commitment to Ending Opioid Crisis ‘Once and for All’
By Michael Tackett and Eileen Sullivan
President Trump vowed Wednesday to “smash the grip of addiction” caused by the opioid epidemic. Addressing a conference of health professionals and addiction specialists in Atlanta, Mr. Trump promised to provide more funding for treatment, stronger scrutiny of what he called Big Pharma and tougher interdiction of drugs at the border with Mexico.
The Washington Post: For the first time, U.S. files criminal charges against an opioid distributor
By Lenny Bernstein
Federal prosecutors filed criminal charges against a major drug distributor and two of its former executives Tuesday, a new tactic that for the first time exposes wholesalers of legal painkillers to potential prison sentences for their roles in the nation’s opioid epidemic.
Reuters: FDA approves first generic naloxone nasal spray to treat opioid overdose
This is the first approval of a generic naloxone nasal spray for use in a community setting by individuals without medical training, the FDA said in a statement.
Vox: Most Americans want drug companies held accountable for the opioid epidemic
By Catherine Kim
A slight majority, 56 percent, said companies should be held responsible for making the opioid crisis worse. In the past, these businesses have been accused of blatantly ignoring the abuse and illegal distributions of their drugs. An overwhelming majority of respondents also supported drug producers doing more to help fight the epidemic: 73 percent said they wanted these drug companies to produce funds to help opioid addiction treatment, and 72 percent said they should distribute naloxone kits, which would help revive those who have overdosed.
NPR: County Jails Struggle with a New Role as America’s Prime Centers for Opioid Detox
By Eric Westervelt
Faced with a flood of addicted inmates and challenged by lawsuits, America’s county jails are struggling to adjust to an opioid health crisis that has turned many of the jails into their area’s largest drug treatment centers. In an effort to get a handle on the problem, more jails are adding some form of medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, to help inmates safely detox from opioids and stay clean behind bars and after release.
CBS New York: Mayor’s New Budget Proposal Cuts City Employees, Takes Bite Out Of First Lady’s Mental Health Initiatives
Fearing a national economic slowdown, Mayor Bill de Blasio has proposed a new budget that for the first time during his tenure that actually reduces the number of city employees. It also cuts the first lady’s budget for mental health initiatives.