ASHP Applauds President Obama's Proposed $1.1 Billion Funding to Combat Opioids Epidemic

Press Release

ASHP announced today that it applauds President Obama’s decision to propose $1.1 billion in new funding to address the prescription opioid abuse and heroin use epidemic.

“President Obama has made it clear that addressing the opioid overdose epidemic is a top priority, and the administration continues to reach out to ASHP and its members for support in this vital initiative,” said ASHP CEO Paul W. Abramowitz, Pharm.D., Sc.D. (Hon.), FASHP. “ASHP has long emphasized the critical role pharmacists in hospitals and clinics play in preventing prescription drug abuse — through recognition of opioid toxicity, preventing inappropriate prescribing, and diversion prevention. As healthcare providers, pharmacists are actively involved in controlled substance management, while balancing the needs of patients in pain to receive safe, effective treatment.”

ASHP has a long track record of working with the White House, FDA, CDC, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, and other groups to develop interprofessional education materials about access to opioids, diversion, and opioid abuse, as well as the appropriate use of these medications.

In October 2015, ASHP joined President Obama in announcing new efforts to address the prescription drug abuse and heroin epidemic. The President highlighted these efforts at the White House Opioids Action Summit in Charleston, W.V., where he discussed local, state, and federal efforts as well as private sector initiatives with healthcare stakeholders who are addressing the epidemic on a daily basis. To show the organization’s support of the President’s initiative, ASHP committed to offering education and resources to more than 43,000 pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians.

Prior to the summit, ASHP told the Obama administration that the organization would undertake several new efforts, including collaboration with key stakeholders on the development of professional guidance, best practices, education, and tools and resources to assist pharmacists and other healthcare providers in addressing opioid misuse, abuse, and access.

About ASHP

ASHP represents pharmacists who serve as patient care providers in acute and ambulatory settings. The organization’s more than 43,000 members include pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians. For over 70 years, ASHP has been at the forefront of efforts to improve medication use and enhance patient safety. For more information about the wide array of ASHP activities and the many ways in which pharmacists advance healthcare, visit ASHP’s website, www.ashp.org, or its consumer website, www.SafeMedication.com.