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In the US, 142 people die of drug overdoses every day. But the Trump administration’s response has been heavy on punishment and light on public health.
Instead of putting people in jail, there are many things DOJ could do that would curb overdose deaths. Train and equip local and state law enforcement to carry naloxone, the overdose reversal medication; encourage states to pass Good Samaritan laws that promote calls to 911 when someone overdoses; and endorse safe injection facilities, proven to reduce overdose deaths.
The nation’s top law enforcement agency should send the message that public safety is public health.
– Megan McLemore, senior health researcher, Human Rights Watch