I wanted to share a recent Washington Post article that highlights Congressman David Trone and all of his commendable work to help prevent opioid addiction across the country.

Congressman Trone was one of the co-sponsors of the bipartisan Opioid Patients’ Right to Know Act, aimed at preventing opioid addiction based on the success of the New Jersey Patient Notification Act.

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) spearheaded and advocated for the passage of this law in New Jersey and is pleased that it has become a major tool in curbing the opioid epidemic. It has been replicated in 18 states and requires prescribers to notify patients or their parents and guardians about the addictive nature of opioids, as well as non-opioid alternatives available, prior to prescribing an opioid.

The Opioid Patients’ Right to Know Act would create a grant program to incentivize states to require prescribers to discuss the addictive qualities of the drugs with patients and inform them of alternative treatment options before prescribing opioids for acute pain.

Drug overdose deaths have increased, reaching more than 100,000 nationally over the 12-month period ending April 2021, the highest total ever recorded over such a span. The Opioid Patients’ Right to Know Act will help provide patients the knowledge to make informed decisions about what treatment option is right for them. Its goal is to prevent opioid addiction before it even gets started and to save lives. 

I hope you will take the time to read the article about Congressman Trone and also show your support of the Opioid Patient’s Right to Know Act. Prevent Opioid Abuse has created a simple way for you to enter your name and address for a letter to be automatically be sent to your Congressional representative. 

Continued wishes to stay safe and well.