11 TV Hill: Lawmakers try to attack addiction (WBAL)

 

Maryland lawmakers join the White House in calling for more than $1 billion to fund the fight against heroin and opioids. The money would go toward helping pregnant addicts, cracking down on excessive opioid prescriptions and move the system toward medication-assisted treatment. While both the U.S. House and Senate have already passed legislation on the issue, lawmakers say more needs to be done. Plus, it's the FDA's most serious warning for prescription drugs: The Black Box Warning. Now health officials are calling on the agency to add the warning to opioids and benzodiazepines. Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen emphasizes how the warnings would help both patients and doctors.

 

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