President Joe Biden has designated Aug. 25 through Aug. 31 as ‘Overdose Awareness Week.’ The White House announced that it will convene families of overdose victims and advocates from all over the United States as part of the Biden administration’s initiatives to combat the overdose epidemic. The gathering, scheduled for Aug. 28, coincides with President Biden’s proclamation of “Overdose Awareness Week” to commemorate those lost to overdoses.
The event will feature White House Drug Control Policy Director Dr. Rahul Gupta, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, and HHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Dr. Miriam Delphin-Rittmon. They will discuss the administration’s actions and investments in addressing the crisis, sharing stories of communities impacted by the epidemic and stressing the importance of a collaborative effort to combat the epidemic and save lives.
In his proclamation, President Biden acknowledged the toll of the opioid epidemic on Americans and pledged to disrupt the supply of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids in the country. The CDC reported a 3% decrease in drug overdose deaths in the United States last year, with opioids and synthetic opioids showing a decline but an increase in deaths related to psychostimulants and cocaine in certain states.
Overall, the administration has taken a comprehensive approach to tackling the epidemic by expanding treatment access, increasing healthcare providers’ ability to prescribe medications, and combating the stigma surrounding substance use and accidental overdose. The focus remains on continuing efforts to reduce overdose deaths and protect American lives.
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