PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2017
CONTACT: Shelia Megson
Chief of Staff
503-986-1401
Shelia.Megson@oregonlegislature.gov
SALEM – Representative David
Brock Smith (R-Port Orford) has been appointed by Governor Kate Brown to the
Opioid Epidemic Task Force. Rep. Brock Smith will join House Majority Leader
Jennifer Williamson, Senator Elizabeth Steiner Hayward and Senator Jeff Kruse
as the four Oregon State Legislators to work with a broad coalition of
stakeholders, including Doctors, Healthcare Workers, Prevention Specialists and
others as a member of the task force.
Recent studies by the Oregon
Health Authority's Public Health Division have concluded that Oregon has one of
the highest rates of prescription opioid misuse in the nation. More drug
poisoning deaths involve prescription opioids than any other type of drug,
including alcohol, methamphetamines, heroin and cocaine. An average of three
Oregonians die every week from prescription opioid overdose, and many more
develop an opioid use disorder. HB 3440, that passed unanimously in both
legislative chambers during the 2017 Session, assists in helping address issues
regarding opioid abuse.
“Across Oregon, the opioid
crisis is tearing families apart,” Governor Brown said. “It will take the
efforts of all branches of government, state agencies, advocates, and families
to prevent Oregonians from becoming future victims of opioid misuse.” Governor
Brown convened a Task Force of individuals to build consensus on further
recommendations to address this critical issue for Oregon families.
“I’m honored to have been
chosen to serve on the Opioid Epidemic Task Force with my skilled legislative
colleagues and other professionals to address this critical issue facing my
constituents and those across the Oregon,” said Rep. Brock Smith. “I have seen
first hand the lives and families destroyed by opioid abuse, and appreciate my
fellow stakeholders’ efforts as we move forward with solutions."
The first meeting of the Task
Force was held during Legislative Days at the Capitol on Tuesday, September 19.
The Task Force will meet again in the beginning of October and continue
discussions towards solutions.
Representative David Brock
Smith represents House District 1, which includes Curry, Coos, Douglas &
Josephine Counties. This press release and an archive of previous press
releases issued by Rep. David Brock Smith’s office are available on the web at:
www.oregonlegislature.gov/smithd.
 House District 1
Curry, Coos, Douglas & Josephine Counties
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1401
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-379, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.DavidBrockSmith@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/smithd
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