Emma Hardy: “Drug overdose is now the leading cause of accidental death in America, and prescription painkillers account for 40…”

“Drug overdose is now the leading cause of accidental death in America, and prescription painkillers account for 40 percent of those 47,000 deaths. No one debates that these powerful medications can serve an important role in pain management, but we cannot ignore the ability to entrap innocent and unintended victims. That is why we are taking steps to protect those endangered by this epidemic. With bills passed this week, we are improving training and providing resources for medical providers and pharmacists, making sure that Federal agencies work better together, and reducing excess amounts of unused meds in the homes of patients with short-term needs so that excess medicine can be available for those still in need instead of falling into the hands of children and family members. There is always more we can do and will do in the future, but today is the day that America has started on the road to recovery. ____________________”