Opioids

New Numbers: Georgia Opioid Prescriptions, Deaths Falling

By Associated Press • Aug 27, 2019

Prescriptions for opioids, as well as possible indicators of abuse, continue to fall in Georgia.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports new figures released by the state Public Health Department show prescriptions for opioids fell 13% from 2016 to 2018.

Preliminary numbers show opioid-related overdose deaths of Georgia residents dropped by 12% between 2017 and 2018, falling from 996 to 873. Opioid deaths dropped 2% nationwide.

Trump, First Lady Teaming Up to Address Opioids Epidemic

By Associated Press • Apr 24, 2019
AP Photo/Susan Walsh

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are headed to an event in Atlanta where they're teaming up to provide an update on the nation's opioid epidemic.

Both are to speak Wednesday at the conference for elected leaders and health and law enforcement officials. The first lady focuses on opioids in her national "Be Best" campaign. The president has called the opioids situation a national health emergency.

Opioids becoming bigger threat to older adults

By Lauren Baggett • Sep 10, 2018

Though the majority of opioid overdose deaths affect younger people, older adults remain the heaviest users of opioid medications. And a steadily growing number of opioid-related deaths among older adults has experts concerned. Read more.

This week, host Lauren Baggett and Andy Miller of Georgia Health News discuss how the opioid crisis is affecting older Americans and what health providers are doing to help.

Georgia Congressman Joins Florida Colleague on Opioid Bill

By Alexia Ridley • May 30, 2018
FDA.gov

9th District Congressman Doug Collins and Democratic Congressman Ted Deutch of Florida have introduced a bill to fight the opioid epidemic on multiple levels. Collins says the Substance Abuse Prevention Act woul dhelp Georgians break free from addiciton and lessen the strain on the justice system.

“With the introduction of this bill what we’re emphasizing is the Office of Drug Policy and a continuation of the reauthorization programs that currently work,” according to Collins.

He says the measure would bring practical solutions to the problem.

Woman Who Sold Fentanyl-Laced Counterfeit Pills Gets 3 Years

By Associated Press • May 25, 2018

A Georgia woman has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for selling counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl and synthetic opioids that carry a higher risk of overdose.

Federal prosecutors say 39-year-old Cathine Lavina Sellers sold the pills from her townhouse in Roswell, just outside Atlanta.

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