Consider This: HOPE Act is step in right direction to fight opioid epidemic

District Attorney Ben David used a great quote this past week in a press conference.

"If a foreign invader came in and started killing 3 North Carolinians a day, how long would it take us to declare war?"  He was referring to our opioid epidemic, in which New Hanover County is ground zero.

The HOPE act would help to give law enforcement additional tools and resources to help combat this epidemic.  It not only would harshen the consequences for traffickers and healthcare workers who are contributing to this problem, but would also invest in community-based drug treatment and recovery.  And that's important.  Because as Pender County Sheriff Carson Smith points out, jail may not be the best solution for an addict.  But right now that's the only solution available for some.

Consider This:  With opioid overdoses claiming more than 115 lives in the US every day, the question has continually been "How do we fight this epidemic?"  While the HOPE Act will not solve this problem overnight, it would be a step in the right direction.

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