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Dr. Boozman's Check-up

The availability of prescription painkillers is a leading factor in the increase of opioid abuse.

Since 1999, opioid overdose deaths have quadrupled nationwide. Unfortunately, Arkansas is not immune to this problem. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data shows that it’s one of 12 states with more painkiller prescriptions than people. Benton Police Chief Kirk Lane has seen the impact in his community and across the state.

This is a nationwide problem. That's why the Senate is considering the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. This bill can help provide communities the ability to combat the growing opioid epidemic in Arkansas and across the country by expanding prevention efforts, supporting law enforcement, combating overdoses and expanding access to treatment.