Breaking News

More () »

Michigan Politics

Whitmer creates task force to tackle opioid epidemic

Whitmer says her move will bring the state a step closer to "finally ending" the prescription-drug epidemic that resulted in more than 2,000 overdose deaths in 2017.

Credit: AP

FILE - In this July 26, 2019, file photo, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks during a session at the National Governor's Association conference in Salt Lake City. Five Democratic governors of states in the Great Lakes region want candidates in next year's presidential election, including President Trump, to back a plan for protecting their freshwater resources. Led by Whitmer, the governors on Monday, July 29, 2019, proposed a six-point platform that seeks increases in federal spending on water treatment infrastructure and environmental cleanups. (Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP, File)

LANSING, Mich. — A task force is being created to tackle Michigan's opioid epidemic.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an order Wednesday forming the advisory group, which will include leaders from across state government. It is the second time a Michigan governor has created an opioid task force since 2015.

Whitmer says her move will bring the state a step closer to "finally ending" the prescription-drug epidemic that resulted in more than 2,000 overdose deaths in 2017. The task force will be led by Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the state's chief medical executive.

The panel will focus on increasing access to medication-assisted treatment, reducing harm, and targeting specialized populations like pregnant women and released inmates.

►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.

Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter