Issue Brief 16-02
January 21, 2016
Summary 

Deaths from prescription drug overdose have skyrocketed in the past decade. The federal government, state and local governments, and other entities are undertaking a variety of initiatives to address this issue. At the federal level, the focus is on areas such as coordinating activities among various agencies; enhancing law enforcement efforts; tracking/monitoring trends and improving data; training health care providers and educating the public; and providing resources to state and local governments to help support prevention and treatment efforts.    

While states may use substance abuse prevention and treatment funding to address prescription drug abuse, only a few dedicated programs existed until recently. Both the fiscal year (FY) 2015 and 2016 budgets enhanced funding and created new programs.

This Issue Brief highlights funding available to states, and recent legislative and administrative actions.