Calls designation an important step, but that follow up action from the President is needed.
PORTLAND, ME—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement after President Trump declared the opioid epidemic a national emergency:
“I’m glad the President has finally taken the much-needed step of declaring the opioid epidemic a national emergency. As Maine and other states suffer horrific losses in our families and communities, we need to acknowledge the incredible severity and direness of the situation.
“But a declaration will do nothing on its own. The President needs to follow it with concrete action. Namely, he should call on Congress to provide emergency appropriations to increase resources for treatment and recovery services and ceasing his efforts to take health-care coverage away from millions of Americans, including those seeking help for substance use.”
