Snyder releases Drug Task Force Report
DETROIT –- Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette today joined Governor Rick Snyder, Lt. Governor Brian Calley, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Nick Lyon, and DMC CEO Conrad Mallet to announce the release of the Michigan Drug and Opioid Use Task Force Report.
“This is all about the lives that have been lost and preventing that from happening again,” said Schuette. “But here’s the story, we can reduce the loss of life and lost lives by combating drug overdoses in Michigan today.”
The task force subcommittee on Regulation, Enforcement and Policy, chaired by Schuette recommended the current controlled substance monitoring system, the Michigan Automated Prescription System, or MAPS, which currently only operates from 9-5, Monday through Friday be brought up to date. Under the recommendations the system would be operational 24/7/365 to allow it really work for law enforcement and other groups requiring access.
“One of the most important things we can do is bring this problem out of the shadows,” said Schuette. “This is a problem that does not see race, or socioeconomic backgrounds, it can affect anyone.”
Schuette noted that drug take back programs have played an important role in slowing the spread of the epidemic by helping eliminate early access to prescription medications.
“Combating this growing crisis begins with a foundation of education, dedication of resources and collaboration among policymakers, law enforcement, medical providers and citizens in communities across our state, said Schuette.” Taking comprehensive action together, we can reverse the public health and public safety threat of heroin and prescription drug abuse to break the cycle of addiction.”
The Attorney General is dedicated to combatting the rising drug abuse problem in our state and recently joined Attorney Generals from 37 other states urging Congress to address the growing Heroin and Opioid Addiction and abuse across the country.
View the full report here.
(Information Courtesy of AG Bill Schuette)