Ohio Rep. Nickie Antonio Comments on President Trump’s Opioid Crisis Declaration

From St. Rep Nickie Antonio: State Rep. Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) today responded to President Donald Trump recently declaring the opioid epidemic a national emergency and promising to spend significant federal dollars to combat the public health crisis:

“I am pleased to see leaders at the federal level acknowledge whatOhio Democrats have long said: that the opioid epidemic devastating our rural areas and urban centers alike is a public health emergency that will require a strong, unified response and emergency funding in order to save lives and prevent additional tragedy.

“I hope Gov. Kasich can set aside his personal feelings regarding President Trump to finally acknowledge this public health emergency and bring the full force of the state to bear on the growing epidemic.

“With thousands of men and women dying each year in our state from opioids, Ohio families cannot afford for Governor Kasich to wait any longer to declare a statewide emergency and bring additional emergency and permanent state funds to local efforts aimed at prevention, treatment and law enforcement. Too many lives are at stake.”

Image Courtesy of The Office of State Rep. Antonio