The opioid crisis has been officially declared a national public health emergency, calling to action all parts of the health care system, law enforcement and local, state and federal governments to mitigate its devastating effects.
On November 2, 2017, CVS Health Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer and General Counsel Tom Moriarty delivered opening remarks at POLITICO’s Health Care Briefing, The Opioid Crisis: Crucial Next Steps. The event brought together health care experts and policymakers to discuss the policy challenges around the opioid epidemic, what initiatives are working, and where more resources are most needed.
Addressing the Epidemic from Multiple Angles
Moriarty reiterated CVS Health’s commitment to helping address the national opioid crisis through a comprehensive, enterprise-wide approach that attacks the epidemic from multiple angles – from prevention to treatment. Moriarty said that CVS Health can make an impact by reducing the number of unnecessary opioids that are dispensed, encouraging the removal and safe disposal of unused medications in the home and supporting treatment programs to help those struggling with addiction.
Beyond these efforts, CVS Health is also advocating for effective policies to prevent and mitigate the crisis, which Moriarty said includes requiring e-prescribing for controlled substances and strengthening Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs.
Read the full text of Tom Moriarty’s remarks at the POLITICO briefing on the opioid crisis.