Strengthening tools to address synthetic opioids

In the U.S., 91 people die every day from an opioid overdose. Due to the rise in fatal overdoses, life expectancy in the U.S. has recently fallen.

The problem affects our communities in Central Washington. According to the Washington Department of Health, from 2012 to 2016, opioid overdoses contributed to the deaths of 300 people in the Fourth Congressional District.

I recently hosted a public Opioid Summit in Moses Lake and heard from law enforcement on the scope of the problem and from families whose lives have been impacted by the crisis.

Attendees learned from local law enforcement that Mo...