Michigan has a serious opioid problem. A new task force is looking for public input on how to fix it.
In 2013, more than 400 people in Michigan died from drug overdoses – mainly heroin and prescription painkillers like OxyContin. At least 3,000, at the very least, have died since 2005.
Overdose deaths have been on the rise in Michigan and across the country, surpassing the rate of deaths from suicide, car accidents and gun injuries.
A new state task force is looking at the issue and considering policy changes the state should make to help. They’re expected to make recommendations to the governor this fall.
The task force will hold a public hearing Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Lansing. It’ll take written comments as well.
