Opioid Crisis: Tearing Our Communities and Families Apart

Over the years, different illegal drugs have been abused as they become more accessible and cheaper to purchase. Now, heroin, laced with synthetic opioids, has quickly become the latest epidemic to devastate our communities.

Daily news reports document countless heart-wrenching stories of fatal overdoses nationwide. This growing epidemic is infiltrating our homes, schools, and workplaces. Additionally, many of whom have died from an overdose aren't frequent users, but rather first time users who made a terrible decision.

Heroin overdose deaths have dramatically increased due to a drug called Fentanyl. The opioid is 50 times more powerful than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine. Heroin dealers are now using Fentanyl to make this lethal concoction stronger and are selling a synthetic version which has led to over 20,000 deaths in the United States in 2016 alone.

Many of our North Missouri communities have taken action, both through enforcement and education, but also by having anti-overdose medication available to save lives. More needs to be done!

President Trump has said the opioid crisis is a national emergency and action must be taken on the national level.

Congress has taken note.

We know that most of the illicit fentanyl that makes its way to the U.S. comes from Mexico and China.

That is why, this week, I voted for H.R. 2142, the INTERDICT Act, which will give the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP) upgraded tools for chemical screening devices to detect drugs such as Fentanyl. Equipping CBP with these devices will help ensure that they are able to stop these deadly drugs from entering our country before it kills more of our families, friends and neighbors.

The opioid crisis affects each and every one of us as it continues to grow at a rapid rate. Solving this epidemic won't be quick or easy, but all of us can play a part.

This Saturday, I encourage each of you to participate in National Take Back Day. This nationwide effort will also be happening across Northern Missouri. It's a chance for you to be a part of the solution and keep unused prescription drugs from getting into the wrong hands. If you have unused prescription drugs, take them to a drop off location near you to be disposed of. To find a drop off location near you, please visit the Drug Enforcement Administration's website for more information.