San Francisco-based McKesson Corp., a supply chain management company that partners with pharmaceutical manufacturers, providers and pharmacies, expressed support for declaring the U.S.' opioid epidemic a national emergency.
"There is no doubt the opioid epidemic is one of our nation's most pressing public health crises," said John Hammergren, chairman and CEO of McKesson. "McKesson supports President Trump's indication that he intends to declare the opioid epidemic a 'national emergency.' This vital exercise of executive authority will provide much needed resources to help tackle the opioid crisis in new ways and with a deepened sense of urgency."
The company, which helps deliver medications to millions of Americans, believes the opioid epidemic should be addressed by a multitude of players, including physicians, patients, pharmacists, government payers and law enforcement. It recommends the administration leverage data analytics tools to identify at-risk patients, mandate e-prescriptions for controlled substances, and require payers and providers use opioid management programs, among other measures.
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