By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/white-house-launches-initiative-combat-heroin-use Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter White House launches initiative to combat heroin use Politics Aug 17, 2015 11:05 AM EDT EDGARTOWN, Mass. — The White House is launching a new $5 million initiative to combat heroin use and trafficking of the drug, particularly in states along the East Coast. About half of the money will fund a program to link public health and law enforcement agencies, with the goal of prioritizing treatment for drug users over punishments. Monday’s announcement comes amid a spike in heroin use and deaths in the United States. The rise in heroin use has become a frequent topic in the 2016 presidential campaign. Democratic frontrunner Hillary Rodham Clinton recently held a forum in New Hampshire on drug addiction, an issue she said voters have been frequently raising as she’s campaigned in the early voting state. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
EDGARTOWN, Mass. — The White House is launching a new $5 million initiative to combat heroin use and trafficking of the drug, particularly in states along the East Coast. About half of the money will fund a program to link public health and law enforcement agencies, with the goal of prioritizing treatment for drug users over punishments. Monday’s announcement comes amid a spike in heroin use and deaths in the United States. The rise in heroin use has become a frequent topic in the 2016 presidential campaign. Democratic frontrunner Hillary Rodham Clinton recently held a forum in New Hampshire on drug addiction, an issue she said voters have been frequently raising as she’s campaigned in the early voting state. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now