The American Society of Anesthesiologists released a statement supporting President Donald Trump's declaration that the opioid crisis is a public health emergency.
Here's what you should know:
1. In a statement the organization said it "applauds the president's administration for taking this important step toward addressing drug addiction and opioid overuse and abuse."
2. ASA is actively working to combat the opioid epidemic. ASA partnered with Charlotte, N.C.-based Premier to launch a national opioid safety pilot.
3. The president's declaration allows for resources to be shifted between existing programs to address the epidemic. President Trump is also launching an ad campaign against drug use. He is not dedicating any new funding to the epidemic.
4. ASA said more than 2 million Americans abuse opioid pain medications. Since 2000, the opioid-related death rate increased 200 percent.