Opioid prescriptions are dispensed in Idaho at a higher rate than 34 other states, and Idaho ranks 25th in the country for prescription pain reliever misuse.
To combat opioid misuse in Idaho, Governor Brad Little on Thursday signed an executive order, creating an Opioid and Substance Use Disorder Advisory Group.
The Governor said in a press release, “My executive order uses a broad, holistic approach to examining the crisis, so we can develop solutions that save lives and create a brighter future for our state.”
Opioids and synthetic opioids, such as prescription pain relievers, fentanyl and heroin, lead drug-induced deaths in Idaho.
The Idaho Press reports, Melinda Smyser, the administrator of the Governor’s Office of Drug Policy, will chair the advisory group.
