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CNN: “Drug overdose deaths in 2020 hit highest number ever recorded, CDC data shows”
POLL: Should expanding prevention and treatment programs be a priority in Congress?
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John,
Just last week, we learned the devastating news that deaths from drug overdoses soared to more than 93,000 in 2020, a jump of nearly 30 percent from 2019.
While we were working to overcome one pandemic, another epidemic was getting a lot worse: opioid addiction. This epidemic has already taken so much from communities here on Long Island and across the country -- it's taken family, friends, children, and neighbors far too soon for years. It's an epidemic that, personally, I know all too well.
My first field placement as a social worker was working on drug and alcohol counseling in a prison. Listening to their stories, I found myself focused on all the underlying factors that led them to their situation. That's how I first realized I wanted to work on policy and pursued macro practice social work.
Years later as a county legislator, I got that chance to make a real impact on the same issue. I worked with colleagues from both sides of the aisle to combat the opioid epidemic. We passed legislation to train and equip first responders with NARCAN spray, an emergency medication used to save a victim of drug addiction from death.
It was a common-sense solution that proved successful. First responders reported a significant increase in lives saved after just one year. But we can't take this epidemic on just in County Legislatures, especially now as we go from bad to worse.
We need Congress to respond immediately and make this crisis a priority by expanding access to treatment and investing in overdose prevention. John, do you agree?
This epidemic isn't just something I've legislated on, this issue is close to my heart. I've seen and heard too many stories of people losing their lives to opioid addiction.
Thank you and take care,
Kara Hahn
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