White House to announce $25 billion investment to help combat opioid epidemic
President Donald Trump on Wednesday unveiled a new $25-billion initiative aimed at combating the opioid epidemic, including $1 billion in federal funding for new facilities for addiction treatment.
Trump said the money will be used to improve access to addiction treatment facilities, including the White House’s Behavioral Health Partnership, which provides support to people in recovery who need help.
Trump announced the new $1.2 billion initiative after signing a bill to create a $25 million pilot program to help states establish opioid treatment facilities.
The program will include new programs to provide medication-assisted treatment for people who are currently receiving treatment, such as methadone and buprenorphine, and will help establish treatment centers for people transitioning to methadones.
“I am announcing today a $1-billion plan to expand treatment for the people who need it the most,” Trump said.
“We will provide $25,000 per person to each state, and I’m announcing that the program will be the most comprehensive opioid-treatment program in the country.”
The President also announced that the Trump Administration will invest $25.4 billion in combating the epidemic by investing $100 million to expand the use of naloxone, which can reverse opioid overdoses and revive someone who is addicted to the drug.
He also said the Administration will work with Congress to create an annual $2 billion fund for emergency relief.
The president also announced new programs aimed at reducing the use and sale of opioids and other illicit drugs, including a new law that prohibits states from passing laws that create an environment conducive to the sale of any type of drugs.