Mandate to disrupt the supply of drugs, reduce demand, use diplomacy, develop surveillance. all of it coming as the toll on the economy issest mask mandated at $1.3 trillion a year from the opioid epidemic. drsmtd joseph lee, president and ceo of hazleton betty ford foundation. thanks for being with us. this new plan is focusing on supply and demand when it comes to drugs in the u.s. overdoses are now killing 100,000-plus americans a year. as you look at this plan, is it enough to at least start to make a dent in this overwhelming problem? well, that s a great question. you know, the execution and the dosage of funding and investment made in the plan is of course going to be critical. but as far as the blueprint is concerned, it is an evolution that is better than in the past. you know, if you look at our history and supply and demand is a great way to frame it, we ve only focused on supply mainly, how to cut off prescriptions, how to cut off the drug supply.
A pilot program to prevent drug abuse will begin at three West Virginia schools next fall, officials said. Gov. Jim Justice and the board of West Virginia Game Changers, public-private coalition designed to educate and empower youth, announced Tuesday that the initiative will start at three schools in Harrison County, The Exponent Telegram reported.