WASHINGTON, DC - In the lead up to National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 28, 2018, Congressman Warren Davidson (OH-08) praised efforts to combat the opioid crisis by making sure excess prescription drugs are disposed of properly.
“Prescription drug abuse is raging across Ohio. It’s devastated the lives of Ohioans and taken a dangerous toll on families and communities across the country. At the federal, state, and local level we need to continue taking action to understand this crisis and make sure our communities have the resources they need to end the savageness of this opioid epidemic," said Davidson.
In 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) collected 35,797 pounds of prescription medications in Ohio on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
As a member of the Financial Services Committee, Subcommittee on Terrorism and Illicit Financing, Davidson supported efforts to investigate and stop covert financing for Mexican drug cartels. He has also advocated to secure the border.
Congress created the Opioid State Targeted Response grants in the 21st Century Cures Act, which Congressman Davidson supported and became law in December 2016. This legislation gives states like Ohio the tools to combat the opioid epidemic, including $1 billion over two years for improving prescription drug monitoring programs, drug use prevention programs, training for healthcare workers, and more access to treatment facilities. The Department of Health and Human Services recently announced that Ohio will receive $26 million in this funding which Davidson helped to secure. Additionally, Davidson supported the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, which was signed into law in July 2016. This legislation supports training to investigate the unlawful distribution of opioids. Davidson also supported the additional $4 billion that was included in the FY2018 funding bill.
Davidson is encouraging communities to participate in Take Back Day in Ohio. Visit DEATakeBack.com to find a dropoff site near you.