The American Medical Association reports that there have been increases in opioid-related mortality during the coronavirus pandemic in more than 40 states. | Stock Photo
The American Medical Association reports that there have been increases in opioid-related mortality during the coronavirus pandemic in more than 40 states. | Stock Photo
U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) and White House "Drug Czar" Jim Carroll recently met to discuss efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, Hudson said in a statement on his website.
The Kannapolis meeting was part of a roundtable discussion that also included politicians, law enforcement officials, medical professionals, school administrators and community organizations, Hudson's Sept. 28 release said. Carroll is the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy director.
"I was honored to host President Trump's 'Drug Czar' in Cabarrus County today to showcase our leading efforts and hear from the community about how Congress and the administration can further help to defeat the opioid epidemic," Hudson said in the release.
The outbreak of COVID-19 has reportedly worsened the opioid crisis. At least 40 states reported opioid-related mortality increases during COVID-19, according to information from the American Medical Association, Hudson's release reported.
Hudson sponsored legislation that would help to dispose of opioids that are no longer needed in the home for medical purposes.
"We accomplished a lot with that bill and built upon earlier progress, but I know there is more to do, especially in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic," Hudson said in the release.
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