On opioid declaration, some say declaration should come with cash

The Hill: The declaration of a national emergency for the opioid epidemic could fuel a classic Washington fight: the battle over money.

Some lawmakers and advocates say an emergency declaration on opioids will do little without significant federal funding to combat the staggering overdose death rates from prescription painkillers and heroin.

When asked how much money is needed, one advocate pointed to the fact that tens of thousands of people are dying every year.  

“So the math is almost incalculable,” said Andrew Kessler, the founder and principal of Slingshot Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in behavioral health policy.

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