Staff Reports
A recent headline might suggest that the battle against the fentanyl crisis in America has reached a happy conclusion, but in reality, that’s just wishful thinking coupled with the media’s convenient forgetfulness. The opioid crisis isn’t just a chapter in history; it’s still a raging nightmare. While the Washington elite are murmuring about new “strategic” plans, the American people are left wondering when any real progress will be made.
President Biden’s recent National Security Memorandum is a signal that the administration recognizes the gravity of the situation—or perhaps just acknowledges the mounting pressure from a very concerned public. The memo aims for a more collaborative approach across different government agencies, suggesting they are eager to disrupt the supply chains of illicit fentanyl and synthetic opioids. While this newfound urgency is appreciated, let’s not overlook the fact that talk is cheap, and real change requires more than just a bureaucratic shuffle.
The fentanyl crisis in America rages on, with over 80,000 overdose deaths last year, despite new strategies from policymakers. President Biden’s National Security Memorandum aims to bolster localized efforts using $55 billion from legal settlements to… https://t.co/LrRJFEEs2H
— The America One News (@am1_news) August 7, 2024
State and local law enforcement usually shoulder a hefty part of the responsibility when it comes to tackling the opioid epidemic. The silver lining here is that various legal settlements from the companies that peddled prescription opioids are finally bringing in some funding—around a whopping $55 billion across the nation. One standout is the $26 billion settlement centered around a major manufacturer and distributors, which is potentially a game-changer for state and local crime-fighting. What could possibly go wrong when handing enormous sums of money to government agencies?
You read that right; the money is beginning to trickle down to local law enforcement. Kansas is using $110,000 in settlement proceeds to beef up its fentanyl task force, while Louisiana is splashing out $65 million for sheriffs to implement reforms. Charleston County, South Carolina, is putting the pedal to the metal by hiring an opioid initiative coordinator and mapping out resources to address mental health issues. Guess what? It seems that actual cash might finally be a tool for combating chaos, but there are always a few party poopers in the mix.
Unfortunately, where there’s an opportunity, there’s also Baltimore. This lovely city, which has proudly claimed the title of “U.S. Overdose Capital,” has decided to thumb its nose at a $100 million settlement in favor of possibly getting more money down the line. For a city that spent years touting its progressive responses to addiction, this refusal sends a clear message: if it doesn’t fit the narrative, they’re not playing ball. Such irresponsibility could spell disaster—not only for Baltimore but for a nationwide effort that could collapse under the weight of bureaucratic indecision.
While everyone is reminiscing about proverbs, it’s time to acknowledge that we live in a country where every second counts. The opioid crisis is not merely anecdotal; it’s tangible, with more than 80,000 opioid overdose deaths last year alone. The youth epidemic is particularly alarming—overdose deaths for kids aged 12 to 17 have nearly doubled since the pandemic started. The reality is grim, and the slow bureaucratic machine isn’t operating fast enough to meet the crisis head-on. America needs leaders who will act decisively and collaboratively instead of playing political games while families suffer.
