Leaders applaud McAuliffe efforts to curtail prescription drug, heroin abuse in Virginia

Governor Terry McAuliffe on Friday signed Executive Order 29 establishing the Governor’s Task Force on Prescription Drug and Heroin Abuse.  The task force will recommend immediate steps to address a growing and dangerous epidemic of prescription opioid and heroin abuse in the Commonwealth.

This executive order has received praise from leaders across the Commonwealth:

Attorney General Mark Herring:

“Too many families are losing loved ones and too many communities across Virginia are confronting a terrible rise in opiate and heroin abuse and overdose fatalities. The Governor’s task force, along with efforts initiated by my office and the outstanding work of local law enforcement, shows that the Commonwealth is taking this problem seriously and responding aggressively. It will take a combination of prosecution, treatment, education, and prevention to turn the tide, and strong partnerships between federal, state, and local authorities, and the recommendations of this important task force, will be key.”

Senator Don McEachin, Henrico:

“I commend the governor’s initiative on heroin and prescription drug abuse — problems that have brought terrible pain and cost to Virginia families. Attorney General Herring also recently announced a plan to address these  issues; I look forward to working with both the governor and the attorney general to remedy these problems.”

Senator Bill Carrico, Grayson:

“I applaud Governor McAuliffe for his actions today to make Virginia communities safer and healthier. The creation of this task force is a significant step towards curtailing prescription drug and heroin abuse in the Commonwealth.”

Delegate John O’Bannon, Henrico:

“I commend Governor McAuliffe for tackling this issue head on and I am in complete agreement that Virginia must curtail this unfortunate epidemic. The steps the governor announced today will put Virginia on a pathway toward building safer and healthier communities.”

Delegate Keith Hodges, Middlesex:

“As a practicing pharmacist and legislator, I am proud of this bipartisan effort to address the prescription drug and heroin abuse epidemic.  Governor McAuliffe’s multi-faceted approach will go a long way in curbing this epidemic and ensuring the future health and safety of our families, communities and neighborhoods.”