Speaker Beth Harwell created a task force on opioid and prescription drug abuse, and appointed Representative Kevin Brooks to serve on the panel. The task force’s immediate goal will be to work on legislation, but its efforts will be ongoing to determine the best strategies for tackling the opioid epidemic, officials said. Tennessee is consistently ranked at the top of the charts nationally with regards to prescription drug abuse.
“This epidemic truly hits close to home in my district,” said Rep.
Brooks. “Sadly, we have lost too many of our best and brightest in Bradley County from high school students, to college-aged, to the middle-aged. The opioid epidemic must be addressed immediately. I am thankful for the leadership of Speaker Beth Harwell and Speaker Pro Tem Curtis Johnson in forming this Opioid Task Force in Tennessee. I will offer my full support on behalf of the many families affected in Cleveland and Bradley County.”
"In 2015, 1,451 Tennesseans died from drug overdoses, the highest annual number in the state’s history. In addition, the number of babies born who have been chronically exposed to opioids is high, particularly in East Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Health reports that from 2000 to 2012, the rate of babies born with exposure increased 15 fold.
"The Centers for Disease Control estimates that prescription opioid abuse has a total economic burden of $78.5 billion per year in the United States. There is an estimated $7.7 billion criminal justice cost across the country," officials said.
“I appreciate Rep. Brooks’ willingness to serve on this task force. I have asked the members to delve into the issue, look at pilot programs, and study where needs are the greatest. I believe we can create some comprehensive solutions to this epidemic,” said Speaker Harwell.
“This task force presents an opportunity to have a very serious conversation about opioid and prescription drug abuse in our state. I’m honored Speaker Harwell has placed her trust in me to work with my colleagues to find a solution to this devastating epidemic we face in Tennessee,” said Rep. Brooks.