Kaiser Health News interviewed Michael Botticelli, the former director of the National Drug Control Policy, about his take on the nation's opioid crisis and whether the Trump administration will prove effective in fighting the battle.
Here are four points:
1. Mr. Botticelli said he has concerns over how an ACA repeal will impact efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. The ACA started many initiatives that provided substance abuse services, which may go away alongside the health law. He told KHN, "One of the concerns is not just for people's ability to access care — but what happens to those millions who are already receiving it? If there is a significant disruption in people's ability to access treatment, it has a devastating impact."
2. Mr. Botticelli said the Trump transition team did not contact him prior to leaving his post, which he said gave him and "other people pause" concerning the Trump administration's primary goals.
3. Any effort to address the opioid issued must be comprehensive, dedicated and well-sourced, Mr. Botticelli told KHN. When working under the Obama administration, Mr. Botticelli said every member of the team committed to the cause. He said a key focus should be ensuring everyone has both timely and appropriate treatment access.
4. Going forward, Mr. Botticelli said he hopes that policymakers maintain their progress. He told KHN, "My hope is that we are not going to lose momentum, and that we're not going to backslide on the focus on the opioid epidemic. We can't. We are losing too many people on a daily basis."
