We need to continue our work moving from criminalizing addiction to treating it as a disease. Vermont's sees the challenges this epidemic presents in every community -- these are our children, friends and coworkers. It is essential that Vermont increase our preventative measures, enhancing our education efforts, creating more treatment opportunities and helping those treated find better jobs to keep their lives on track.
Continuing to reduce the amount of opiod/pain killers prescribed is a top priority also. And, we need to increase the number of excess drug disposal centers and market them more effectively.