Rep. Pugh:
I'm following up on my recent email to you. I want to share with you some data from a CBS News poll released this week.
71% of Americans say the issue of opioid addiction is a very serious problem and most believe the government should do something about it. Majorities across political lines and age and income levels call the issue very serious.
Many Americans have been effected. 45% personally know someone who has suffered from opioid addiction, many in their immediate family.
The opioid crisis appears to be hitting white, rural Americans hard. More whites than blacks say they know someone who has suffered from opioid addiction, and rural Americans are more likely than those living in cities and suburbs to know someone who has suffered.
Americans agree that pharmaceutical companies who make and sell pain medication and doctors who prescribe the medication are responsible for the opioid addiction epidemic. Dealers and gangs rank last.
A large majority of Americans--8 in 10--say the government should be doing more to address opioid addiction. This view extends across party lines.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
Michael H. Daub
Attorney at Law
Board of Directors Steve Rummler Hope Network