Pubdate: Sat, 06 Feb 2016
Source: Sacramento Bee (CA)
Copyright: 2016 The Sacramento Bee
Contact: http://mapinc.org/url/0n4cG7L1
Website: http://www.sacbee.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/376
Author: Bridget Whitted

ADDRESS OPIOID EPIDEMIC

Re "Drug addicts finally a priority in politics" (Editorials, Feb. 
4): The Bee's editorial board is absolutely right that what matters 
most right now is that something gets done by Congress to address 
opioid addiction and overdose in this country.

But the most well-funded business lobby in this country is not going 
to go away quietly. It will be a challenge for Congress and my 
representative, Ami Bera, to do the right thing and enact legislation 
that provides for treatment and prevention of opioid addiction, as 
well as regulate Big Pharma.

Perhaps if they looked into the eyes of the 15-year-old heroin addict 
who is desperately trying to stay clean like I did today, then it 
wouldn't be such a challenge.

Bridget Whitted, Folsom
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