Rogers Leads Congressional Forum to Discuss Federal Solutions for Rx Drug Abuse

Press Release

U.S. Representative Harold "Hal" Rogers (R-KY) will join U.S. Senator Joseph "Joe" Manchin (D-WV) and five colleagues from the U.S. House of Representatives for a Congressional forum on drug abuse at the 2015 National Rx Drug Abuse Summit on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. U.S. Representatives participating in the bi-partisan forum also include, Congressman Earl "Buddy" Carter (R-GA), Congresswoman Katherine Clark (D-MA), Congressman Andrew "Andy" Harris, MD (R-MD), Congressman Evan Jenkins, JD (R-WV), and Congressman William "Bill" Keating (D-MA).

The National Rx Drug Abuse Summit is hosted by Operation UNITE, a small non-profit organization launched by Congressman Rogers in 2003 to address the scourge of prescription drug abuse in his rural district covering southern and eastern Kentucky. This is the fourth consecutive year that UNITE has led the largest national collaboration of leaders in effort to create a greater impact on the nation's prescription drug abuse epidemic. Nearly 1,400 attendees are registered for the four-day summit scheduled for April 6-9.

"Every day in the U.S., 120 people die from a drug overdose, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The sense of urgency for federal, state and local leaders to be more involved in the issue, can't be overstated," said Congressman Rogers, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse. "I'm honored to have so many of my colleagues at the table at the Rx Summit, dedicating critical time to raise awareness and lead this national discussion in effort to save lives from the crippling impact of addiction."

For the first time, this bi-partisan forum is comprised of members of both U.S. Chambers who are working to raise awareness of abuse and bring innovative and effective policy solutions to Congress. They will address recent regulatory changes, as well as their legislative priorities for the 114th Congress.

"I am truly looking forward to participating in this year's National Prescription Drug Abuse Summit. The prescription drug abuse epidemic is rampant across every state in this nation," said Sen. Manchin. "As Governor and as United States Senator, I've seen for far too long the devastating effects that these drugs have had on our communities and our families. I am wholly devoted to diligently fighting to stem the tide on prescription drug abuse, and I so am grateful for all the policymakers, community leaders, medical professionals, law enforcement officials and leading experts who will be in attendance at this great conference. Together, we will underscore our commitment to tackling substance abuse to better our families, our communities and our country."

Forum participants will also take questions from attendees to spur additional conversation for solutions at the federal level.

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