President Trump recently decided not to declare the opioid epidemic as a national emergency (as under the Stafford Act). His decision has gained support from across the aisle, as many individuals believe that declaring a national emergency would do little to combat the underlying causes of the crisis, such as fighting the stigma that surrounds the recovery process as well as expanding alternative treatments (e.g. physical therapy). What are your thoughts and reactions to President Trump's decision as well as the decision of the four states? Do you view the opioid epidemic as a national emergency? Why or why not? Sources to read: - https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/paloma/the-health-202/2017/08/09/the-health-202-trump-doesn-t-need-to-declare-the-opioid-crisis-a-national-emergency/5989eb7530fb045fdaef11bf/ - http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/08/08/secretary-price-and-counselor-conway-address-opioid-crisis-live-blog.html - https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/08/us/politics/trump-opioid-crisis.html
