Dollars targeting opioids hit hurdles

Associated Press

Nearly a year after Congress approved an extraordinary $1 billion to tackle the opioid crisis, the money that poured into all 50 states is gradually reaching places where it can do some good, but with some setbacks and delays along the way.

In some locations, people addicted to opioids are starting to get treatment for the first time. In others, bureaucratic hurdles prevent innovation, driving home the point that gaining ground on the epidemic will be difficult. There’s one constant: It takes time for government grants to trickle down to real people.

At a congressional hearing Wednesday in Washington, Republicans and Democrats shared frustration as they questioned top administration officials about federal spending to fight the deadliest drug crisis in U.S. history.

“I don’t understand why more resources aren’t flowing to help out a rural state like West Virginia,” said West Virginia Republican Rep. David McKinley.

President Donald Trump is set to make a major speech on the opioid epidemic today but it’s unclear whether any new money will back up his expected declaration of a national emergency.

The $1 billion for states is part of last year’s 21st Century Cures Act, which also addressed cancer research and medical innovation. The bipartisan bill was signed by President Barack Obama in December.

States have analyzed data, chosen contractors and are “just getting programs up and running right now.”

Ohio plans to train enough new doctors to treat at least 25,000 new patients with one of the addiction- treatment drugs.