HHS Secretary Tom Price, MD, reported America does not need to label the opioid epidemic a national emergency, during a press conference, according to Medscape.
Here are five insights:
1. Dr. Price's response veered from the President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis' recommendation to declare the crisis an official national emergency on July 31.
2. The White House commission recommended President Donald Trump declare the crisis a national emergency under the Public Health Service Act or the Stafford Act. The commission's report found 142 Americans die daily from overdoses.
3. Dr. Price commented Mr. Trump is focused on solving the opioid crisis. However, he noted, "the resources we need or the focus we need to bring to bear on the opioid crisis can be addressed without a declaration of emergency, but all things are on the table for the President."
4. Dr. Price said previous national emergencies posses parameters like "time-limited problems or specific threats to public health," such as the Zika virus.
5. During the news conference, Dr. Price emphasized, "The President understands the magnitude of this challenge."