Solutions to Combat the Opioid Crisis

This week, President Trump signed into law our bipartisan package designed to combat the opioid epidemic. Included in the package were three bills I introduced. My bills help patients receive treatment for addiction through telemedicine, remove barriers to abuse deterrent medications, and provide pharmacists with tools to address fraud, forgery and abuse.

Overall the legislation, the SUPPORT Act, works to combat the opioid crisis by addressing prevention, advancing treatment and recovery initiatives, and improving efforts to fight illicit synthetic drugs like fentanyl.

I am excited and proud that this package was signed into law. While working with members on both sides of the aisle to create these solutions to combat this crisis, I learned from constituents, colleagues, and others that everyone and every community has been impacted by this epidemic in some way.

For me, as a pharmacist for more than 30 years, I saw addiction end careers and ruin lives and families. That is what has driven me to work so hard on this legislation to address prescription drug abuse while ensuring those who truly need the medications maintain access to it.

It is great news this package is now law, and I am committed to continuing this strong bipartisan work to end this crisis once and for all.

From our nation's Capitol CLXXXV

Monday, October 22, 2018: Finally, this past weekend we enjoyed fall like temperatures! I took full advantage of it beginning on Saturday as I headed to Hinesville in Liberty County for the First Presbyterian Christian Academy’s annual fall festival. One of the highlights of this great family event is the chili cook-off challenge as I tasted all the entries and am glad I didn’t volunteer to judge because they were all delicious.

Rep. Carter at the FPCA Chili Cook-off

Afterwards, I headed to Delegal Marina at the Landings in Savannah for the annual Sons of the American Revolution Oyster Roast as I was a guest of my good friend Frank Hardeman. Oyster roasts are great anytime in Coastal Georgia but when the weather starts to turn cooler, there’s nothing better. On Sunday, I stopped by Bible Baptist Church in Savannah for their annual Friend Day and enjoyed seeing the many family events they had set up as well as the music of Sounds of Liberty. Later in the afternoon, I enjoyed meeting with constituents in Ardsley Park in Savannah. This morning, I’m in downtown Savannah as I have the pleasure of meeting with Savannah’s new police chief, Roy Minter. Chief Minter is an intelligent, articulate man who brings a wealth of experience to the job and I am certain he will do an excellent job. Next, I head to Rincon for the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce Business Summit where, along with my Congressional colleague from the 12^th District, Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA), I bring the group up to date on Washington issues.

Rep. Carter speaking at the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce Business Summit

Afterwards, I head to the offices of the Savannah Morning News where I meet with the editorial board. Later, I meet with members of the Savannah Homebuilders Association before heading out to Tybee Island where I meet with constituents.

Tuesday, October 23, 2018: I’m on Hutchinson Island in Savannah bright and early this morning for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Statewide Tour and have the opportunity to address this great group of business leaders and bring them up to date on Washington issues. Afterwards, I head across the river for the Eastern Wharf groundbreaking. This long awaited project promises to be a great addition to the River Street area and will add to the vibrancy and beauty of downtown Savannah.

Rep. Carter at the Eastern Wharf groundbreaking ceremony

Next, I head to my Savannah district office where I meet with Dr. Van Crisco of Intent Solutions to learn more about the exciting technology that this start-up company is developing. Afterwards, I meet with Jared Hall, a musician in Savannah with the Recording Academy which represents performers, songwriters and studio professionals across the country and in the district. After a great meeting where we discuss policy issues important to music creators, I head to Derst Baking Company, the oldest continuous manufacturing business in Savannah. Now owned by Flowers Foods out of Thomasville, GA, Derst Baking Company was founded in Savannah in 1867 by Captain John Derst who was a Captain with the Savannah Fire Department. Captain Derst fought in the Civil War but, after being injured, walked from Atlanta to Savannah where he went to work for the Fire Department and opened a small bakery.

Rep. Carter touring Derst Baking Company

Today, Captain John Derst’s Old Fashion Bread as well as other baked goods from the company can be found throughout the Southeast. My final stop of the day is in downtown Savannah where I meet with constituents.

Wednesday, October 24, 2018: I’m out on Wilmington Island early this morning for a meeting with constituents before heading to the airport and flying to Alma in Bacon County to meet with constituents. Afterwards, I head to Waycross in Ware County where I meet with constituents before heading to Offerman in Pierce County to also meet with constituents. My final two stops meeting with constituents are in Jesup in Wayne County and Ludowici in Long County before I head back to Savannah. On my way back to Savannah I have a phone interview with a student from the University of Mississippi College of Pharmacy to discuss how I became involved in the political process and how other pharmacists can become involved.

Thursday, October 25, 2018: I have the honor this morning of speaking to the Coastal Law Enforcement Officers Association in Pooler and bringing them up to date on law enforcement issues in Washington, including the opioid legislation that was signed into law yesterday by President Trump.

Rep. Carter speaking at the Coastal Law Enforcement Officers Association meeting

The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act is a combination of 58 bills that were passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee that I serve on and address the opioid epidemic. I sponsored three of these bills and, while there is no silver bullet that will cure this epidemic by itself, these bills will help tremendously. Afterwards, I head to Jekyll Island in Glynn County for the annual Brunswick State of the Port Address where we hear of the great progress that continues at the number two roll on- roll off-port in our country. Combined with the great leadership from the Georgia Ports Authority, everyone in attendance is reminded that the success of this great port can be largely attributed to the dedicated workforce that takes so much pride in their work. Afterwards, I head back to Savannah and during the drive I have a phone interview with a student from the University of Georgia Grady College of Journalism before heading to the airport for a trip to Houston, TX, where I will be the keynote speaker at the Pharmacy Compounding Centers of America (PCCA) annual meeting.

Friday, October 26, 2018: PCCA is headquartered in Houston and provides more than 3,200 independent community compounding pharmacy members across the United States and worldwide with drug compounding ingredients, equipment, education and assistance.

Rep. Carter speaking to PCCA

I work closely with this group on their issues in Washington and have great respect for the important work they do for their patients and the services they provide. I am honored to have the opportunity this morning to address the group and bring them up to date on issues in Washington. Afterwards, I head to Shenandoah, TX, for a tour of The Woodlands Compounding Pharmacy owned and run by Jasper and Keisha Lovoi that specializes in preparing customized compounded medications. After learning about the wide range of services that this state of the art facility provides and touring their impressive lab, I head to the airport for my return trip home.