FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                 
Date: May 11, 2016
Contact: Chris Evanson, (202) 868-0261
 
Grayson Secures Seat at Table for First Responders in Combatting American Opioid Epidemic
- First responders to join Pain Management Best Practices Inter-Agency Task Force -
 
WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressman Alan Grayson (D-FL09) offered an amendment to H.R. 4641, today granting “first responders” representation to the Pain Management Best Practices Inter-Agency Task Force which was added into the bill. This bipartisan legislation passed the House by an overwhelming majority addressing the growing American opioid epidemic. 
 
“This is a common sense amendment. First responders are well-versed in administering emergency treatment and resuscitation programs,” said Rep. Alan Grayson. “Since we’re putting together a taskforce to address the opioid problem, and specifically pain management best practices, we should include the views and opinions of those whose job it is to be the first on the scene.”
 
Members of the task force will include representatives from federal government agencies, medical practitioners, researchers, and experts in pain management and addiction to pain medication. The task force will issue a report to Congress on its findings, which would include a strategy for disseminating information to relevant medical professionals about best practices in pain management.
 
“This bill is about saving lives, we should of course invite those who have made that their vocation,” said Rep. Grayson
 
 
Congressman Alan Grayson represents Florida’s 9th Congressional District, which includes Osceola County, as well as parts of Orange and Polk Counties.
 
Grayson.House.Gov
 
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