Zoeller Wants More Federal Funds For Opioid Abuse Treatment

Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller is advocating for a proposal to expand federal funding for addiction treatment programs targeting prescription drug and heroin abuse.

Zoeller travelled to Washington, D.C. last week to meet with Michael Botticelli, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

“I’d like to have Indiana first in line seeking help,” Zoeller says. “The numbers of people we’re talking about are really beyond our capacity to address. So we really are going to need federal help.”

The proposed $1.1 billion plan includes $920 million for ‘cooperative agreements with states,’ which could include programs in Indiana.

“This proposal will not only expand access to help people start treatment, but help them successfully complete it and sustain their recovery,” said Botticelli in a statement.

It’s part of President Obama’s overall budget, which must be approved by Congress.

Botticelli is hopeful that the proposal will have bipartisan support, but is encouraging Zoeller to campaign for its passage among other Attorneys General.

“I will be working with my colleagues in the other states trying to encourage Congress to act quickly, and really support the work that we’re doing on the state level as soon as possible,” Zoeller says. “Because it’s a lot of lives at stake here.”

Zoeller has been vocal about the opioid abuse epidemic in Indiana, working with his Drug Task Force to offer support and resources to medical providers and treatment facilities.