According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 100,000 people died from drug overdoses in the United States in the 12 months ending in April 2021. That’s a new record, exceeding the previous record of 93,331 in 2020. That record is not acceptable. Much of this increase is driven by fentanyl, a drug similar to morphine, but 50 to 100 times more potent.Treating drug-addicted persons can break the cycle of dependency for many and can significantly reduce overall crime rates and recidivism. That’s why I introduced Assembly Bill 653, which recently became law, to support medication assisted treatment programs for persons incarcerated in county jails and under community supervision.While effective, treatment is just one tool. Those trafficking in poisons like fent
