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. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! 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. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now