Statement attributed to:
Patrice A. Harris, M.D.
Chair-elect, American Medical Association
“The American Medical Association (AMA) applauds the Energy and Commerce Committee for passing several bills that will help combat the opioid epidemic facing this country. Every member has heard stories from their constituents about how opioid misuse is tearing apart families and communities. Today’s action by the committee demonstrates a bipartisan consensus on the need to end this epidemic.
“The committee-passed bills would promote the availability of naloxone, the overdose-prevention drug, as well as increase access to medication-assisted treatments that can help patients with substance use disorders return to functional, productive lives.
“The AMA believes physicians must take a leadership role in combatting this epidemic and has responded by educating members and has created the Task Force to Reduce Opioid Abuse. We also recognize that others have roles, and that our elected officials can contribute substantially to addressing this public health problem.”
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About the American Medical Association
The American Medical Association is the physicians’ powerful ally in patient care. As the only medical association that convenes 190+ state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders, the AMA represents physicians with a unified voice to all key players in health care. The AMA leverages its strength by removing the obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises and, driving the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in health care.
