HIDTA helps federal, state, and local enforcement departments work together in 49 out of the 50 states. The program is crucial for enforcement departments to catch and stop drug dealers with thorough investigations. Furthermore, the Drug Free Communities SupportProgram is the country's biggest drug prevention program funding more than 5,000 local drug prevention community-based coalitions all over the United States.In March, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order to establish a committee to handle the opioid epidemic with the ONDCP giving support to the committee. The acting director of the ONDCP, Richard Baum stated, "I have been encouraged by the Administration's commitment to addressing the opioid epidemic, and the President's personal engagement on the issue, both during the campaign and since he was sworn into office. These drastic proposed cuts are frankly heartbreaking, and if carried out, would cause us to lose many good people who contribute greatly to ONDCP's mission and core activities."
The cuts to the ONDCP would not only hinder the efforts already put forth to battle the opioid epidemic but make it almost impossible to continue to provide support and treatment for those fighting addiction.
Senator Chuck Grassley is opposed to the ONDCP budget cuts. Today he co-signed a letter to the Office of Management and Budget stating, “Healthcare, lost productivity and criminal justice costs associated with addiction are estimated to cost $193 billion annually, whereas every $1 invested in prevention yields a savings of up to $10. Therefore we must invest in effective prevention programs, and continue to support the Drug Free Communities program. Since its inception, the program has achieved statistically significant reductions in youth drug use. We must also maintain strong law enforcement efforts to address the trafficking of these dangerous substances. In 2014 alone, the 28 existing [High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas] dismantled 2,880 drug trafficking organizations.”
Take time to send an email to members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the White House to express your disagreement with this proposed budget and to save the Office of National Drug Control Policy at this link:
We have made so much progress fighting the opioid epidemic recently. Let's not back track with such a important issue!!!
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/white-house-dismisses-concerns-over-steep-potential-cuts-to-drug-czar-office/
https://www.portman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=DFF015F5-D2DC-4D6A-929A-BD3D542F63C5
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