President Obama is in Atlanta this afternoon to speak at the National Prescription Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit. This event brings together a number of national experts to address substance abuse.
Fulton County Commissioner Joan P. Garner, District 4, says President Obama’s visit to Atlanta today comes at the right time to raise awareness of the growing issue of opioid use, and the policy changes and resources needed to address these issues.
“I am grateful that President Obama has chosen Fulton County to highlight the epidemic stemming from heroin and opioid usage,” said Commissioner Garner. “We are seeing the effects in every corner of Fulton County. By raising awareness and identifying solutions on a national level, we can better bring together the resources to affect change in this critical area. ”
Fulton County Vice Chairman Liz Hausmann, who has been working with the Fulton County District Attorney’s Taskforce on Heroin will be attending the summit. “More than 100 people died in Fulton County last year due to issues related to heroin and opioid abuse with an especially high percentage in North Fulton. Our County cannot wait to address the policy, public safety and health needs that are at the root cause of this epidemic to awareness and to provide resources to stem the tide.”