A number of recent studies have concluded, as Senator Kaine mentioned, that opioids are not very effective in treating chronic non-cancer pain or improving function and can cause a number of harmful side effects.

The Co-Prescribing Saving Lives Act sponsored by Senator Kaine is also an important step in the right direction.

There is still some kind of stigma issues, right, that we have to deal with across the range.

Absolutely. Thank you.

I am just trying to think, when we were--when Senator Herring and I, and I was Governor, were fighting the meth problem...

If you do not act when they ask for help, you are setting them up for failure.

I cannot resist in saying that method for delivering naloxone... is a really simple way of administration.

Thank you, Dr. Neuhausen.

Eighty percent of patients who had a non-fatal overdose were able to go back and get additional opioids prescribed by their caregiver.

most law enforcement that I speak to recognize that it is also a public health issue as much as it is law enforcement

Senator Kaine is sponsoring S. 2256, which, if enacted, would include training for prescribers in co-prescribing naloxone whenever opioid pain medication is prescribed.

This is a huge problem.

I have a 90-year-old mother-in-law who fell 2 days before Christmas and was in the hospital for a fall.

you talked about, and others, too, your strong support for the CDC prescriber guidelines.

I cannot remember, Ms. Wilkins, if it was your testimony or one of the other witnesses, that often the patient's perception is so very different than a family member's perception.

I have concerns that prescribers are writing--are able to write for such a large number of these pills when maybe five are enough.

You may miss an opportunity.

This epidemic is really one that is going to require a comprehensive approach, and part of that is going to include removing the stigma around addiction.