Drug czar pushes support for anti-painkiller fight

COLUMBUS (AP) — The White House drug czar says drug makers need to do more to support public service messages aimed at reducing the country’s prescription painkiller epidemic.

Gil Kerlikowskie directs the Office of National Drug Control Policy and was in Columbus today for a summit about painkiller abuse.

He says educating doctors about prescribing practices is better than placing quotas on painkiller production. He says there is a legitimate need for the painkillers, such as for doctors treating cancer patients.

He says drug makers have the resources to help pay for public service TV ads, which can be expensive.

A message was left with the drug makers’ trade association seeking comment.

Drug overdose deaths now surpass car crashes as the leading cause of death in several states, including Ohio.