There is virtually no place in the United States where prescription drugs are not being abused. The State of New York is ramping up its efforts to curb this disease of epidemic proportions, and hopefully other states will follow suit.
Senator Kennedy Spearheading Charge
New York congressman Brian Higgins and New York State Senator Timothy M. Kennedy on Monday announced actions they are taking to address the growing epidemic of prescription drug abuse.
This announcement comes just days after U.S. Attorney William Hochul and N.Y. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman hosted a summit calling for action to fight the prescription painkiller problem (see blog from last week) and as the nation kicks off Red Ribbon week (October 23-31) an annual anti-drug awareness campaign.
Technology is Key to Drive for Success
Higgins pinpointed to the need for additional advancements in health information technology as critical step in this fight. Kennedy outlined a series of prescription drug reforms he introduced called the “Michael David Israel Laws” – named for a young Western New Yorker who lost his life after his battle with prescription drug addiction.
“Far too many families have endured tragedies as a result of prescription drug addiction,” Senator Kennedy said. “The wrath of this epidemic has been felt locally in Western New York and throughout the nation. We need to stand together and take action against prescription drug abuse before it can claim another life. I believe the comprehensive approach we’re proposing in Albany will help prevent addiction, protect the vulnerable, punish the corrupt and ultimately save lives."
“The United States is behind the curve in supporting health information technologies that can provide interoperability to drastically reduce this alarming trend,” said Congressman Higgins. “We need to give doctors and patients the tools to make sure situations like Michael’s never happen again.”
These politicians are actually doing the job they were elected to do. It is all too common to feel disenfranchised from your elected representatives. These two are taking a head-on approach to curbing a major social epidemic. Kudos to them!