President Donald Trump today declared the opioid crisis a nationwide public health emergency - a step that won't bring new dollars to fight a problem that kills nearly 100 Americans a day but will expand access to medical services in rural areas, among other changes.
"This epidemic is a national health emergency," Trump said in a speech at the White House, where he bemoaned a crisis he said had spared no segment of American society.
"As Americans we cannot allow this to continue," he said.
Administration officials have made clear that the declaration, which lasts for 90 days and can be renewed, comes with no dedicated dollars.
But they said it will allow them to use existing money to better fight the crisis.
Officials also said they would urge Congress, during end-of-the year budget negotiations, to add new cash to a public health emergency fund that Congress hasn't replenished for years.
The Public Health Emergency Fund currently contains just $83,373 (NZD), according to the Department of Health and Human Services, a negligible amount.
Officials would not disclose how much they were seeking.
SHARE ME