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The home for VPR's coverage of health and health industry issues affecting the state of Vermont.

Opioid Addiction In Vermont: Are We Making Progress?

Governor Phil Scott has said that Vermont can turn the tide on the state's opioid abuse problem through enhanced treatment, better prevention and stricter enforcement.
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Governor Phil Scott has said that Vermont can turn the tide on the state's opioid abuse problem through enhanced treatment, better prevention and stricter enforcement.

The country's "drug czar" Richard Baum visited Vermont this week, just a few days after Brattleboro reported a dozen opioid overdoses. As the state's problem with drug addiction continues, we get an update on the efforts to battle opioid abuse.

Our guests are Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine and Vermont's Drug Prevention Policy Director Jolinda LaClair. Creating LaClair's position was one of three initiatives Governor Phil Scott outlined in his inaugural address in January to combat the state's opioid crisis. He also called for the establishment of an Opioid Coordination Council and convening a State Convention on Drug Abuse Prevention.

We also hear from Dr. Patti Fisher, Medical Director for Case Management and Medical Staff Affairs at UVM Medical Center, on a recent report that tracked opioids prescribed by the hospital's doctors.

Broadcast live on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

Ric was a producer for Vermont Edition and host of the VPR Cafe.
Jane Lindholm is the host, executive producer and creator of But Why: A Podcast For Curious Kids. In addition to her work on our international kids show, she produces special projects for Vermont Public. Until March 2021, she was host and editor of the award-winning Vermont Public program Vermont Edition.
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