WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, commended the White House’s announcement of an initiative to target the heroin epidemic and its impact in “high intensity drug trafficking areas” (HIDTA). The initiative, first proposed by the New York/New Jersey HIDTA program, will bring together public health coordinators and law enforcement officials in an effort to gain more in-depth and street-level insight into the heroin trade, and to train first responders on administering medication to reverse overdoses. Recognizing addiction as a threat to public health, the initiative seeks to couple enforcement activity with treatment.
“New Jersey’s heroin overdose rate is more than three-times the skyrocketing nation-wide rate, and I consistently hear from constituents, law enforcement and local elected officials about this devastating epidemic,” said Congressman Pallone. “The White House’s initiative takes a much-needed and inventive approach by attacking the root of the heroin epidemic through a focus on treatment rather than punishment. I commend the initiative’s targeted approach to combat the heroin trade, coupled with increased treatment efforts. I believe it can and will start to make a real difference and save lives.”
About $2.5 million will fund public health partnerships in five HIDTA regions spanning 15 states, including in the New York/New Jersey region and the Philadelphia/Camden region.
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