December 6, 2016
https://www.facebook.com/im4phil/photos/a.187699847916281.44604.149191811767085/1343223592363895/?type=3&theater">Gov. Phil Bryant created a task force today to address drug abuse in the state, specifically for the abuse of opioids and heroin.
Opioid abuse is up nationally and http://www.drugcaucus.senate.gov/sites/default/files/06-12%20Reducing%20the%20U.S.%20Demand%20for%20Illegal%20Drugs.pdf">has been for the past two decades. Opioids include prescription pain killers, some nervous system depressants and some stimulant drugs, https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/misuse-prescription-drugs/summary">according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Gov. Bryant's proclamation claims that Mississippi is one of the leading prescribers for opioids. The governor will appoint voluntary members to the task force, but the proclamation does not specify a date when the task force will meet or for how long.
http://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/statedeaths.html">The Centers for Disease Controls tracks overdose related deaths, and from 2013 to 2014, the state saw a slight increase, from 316 deaths in 2013 to 366 in 2014. That number is not specific to opioid-related overdoses, however.
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