Governors Call for More Money and Coordination to Fight Opioid Epidemic

The National Governors Association called on President Trump and Congress to provide more funds and coordination to fight the opioid epidemic.

The governors are asking for a federal requirement that opioid prescribers undergo training, Time reports. The group says health care professionals who prescribe opioids should register to use state databases that monitor controlled substance prescriptions. They are also seeking increased access to the opioid overdose antidote naloxone, and asked that Medicare cover methadone treatment for senior citizens.

“The opioid and heroin epidemic knows no boundaries, and governors across the country are keenly aware of the challenges it poses for our communities and the growing need for comprehensive, bipartisan solutions to help end the epidemic,” Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker said in a news release. “The recommendations the National Governors Association is releasing today build on existing efforts to increase federal funding and access to treatment, improve training and education standards, and offer more flexibility for states and providers.”