ST. PAUL, MN – Today, the
Steve Rummler Hope Foundation and opioid addiction advocates were at the Minnesota State Capitol to urge support for legislation designed to address prescription painkiller abuse. Below is a statement from Lt. Governor Tina Smith.
“Shelly Elkington first shared the story of her daughter, Casey Jo, with me at a coffee shop in Montevideo. Casey Jo became addicted to opioid painkillers first prescribed for her by her family doctor. She fought hard against the addiction, but in the end it killed her. I am also a mother, and the tragedy of Casey Jo’s death at only 26, is unfathomable. This could happen to any of our children, and it does.
“Since 2000, deaths from opioid overdoses have increased in Minnesota by 430 percent. Eighty percent of those addicted to heroin start out on prescription pain medications. While the makers of these prescription painkillers are making billions in profits, Minnesotans are dying and our public health system is overwhelmed by the need for prevention, treatment and recovery.
“Minnesota is taking some important first steps, but mothers like Shelly expect more, and I agree.
“Opioid abuse is a public health crisis that demands a coordinated response. I strongly support legislation that holds pharmaceutical companies accountable and funds prevention, treatment, and recovery for opioid addiction in Minnesota.
“Let's take action this legislative session to respond to the scourge of opioid addiction, and get help to people like Casey Jo and the hundreds of other Minnesotans who have lost their lives.”
