NEW: Chafee Issues Statement on Drug Overdose Deaths in RI
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Governor Lincoln Chafee issued the following statement today on the drug overdose epidemic in the state.
On Friday, the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) reported 38 drug overdose deaths in Rhode Island in 2014, which would put Rhode Island on pace for over 320 deaths for the year.
Statement from Governor Chafee:
“I am greatly concerned and saddened by this epidemic of drug overdose deaths that is happening in Rhode Island and around the country. I send my condolences to all the families and communities of those who have lost loved ones. The recent spike in deaths since the beginning of the year has been especially troubling.”
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“Specifically, this coalition of health, treatment and law enforcement has:
Brought attention to the issue and increased general public awareness of drug overdose as a preventable public health problem;
Sounded the alarm to users and the public;
Strengthened statewide overdose surveillance mechanisms;
Increased the usage and effectiveness of the Prescription Monitoring Program;
Increased access to naloxone training and distribution programs;
Increased access to substance abuse treatment; and
Convened a statewide group of stakeholders to collaboratively address the epidemic.”
“As we move forward as Rhode Islanders, let us mourn the victims, and work with their families to stop these needless, preventable deaths.”
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