Upon news from the Governor’s office that preliminary data shows a three percent decrease in suspected overdose deaths and a six percent decline in opioid prescriptions statewide in 2019 compared to 2018, Assemblyman and Chair of the Health and Senior Services Committee Herb Conaway, M.D. released the following statement:
“I am encouraged to hear that our state lost fewer residents in 2019 to a tragic epidemic that has already taken far too many lives, but we all recognize more needs to be done.
“We have worked hard to combat the opioid crisis in New Jersey. Last year, we educated the public by placing warning labels on medicines and promoting increased awareness. We also guaranteed coverage for Medicaid recipients who need medication-assisted treatment for substance abuse disorders.
“Any life lost to addiction and overdose is one life too many, which is why our efforts will not stop there.
“Going forward, we must continue to work towards curbing opioid abuse throughout our state by helping our community members who struggle with addiction while preventing others from ever forming one.”