Gov. Whitmer introduces plan to combat opioid epidemic in Michigan

Whitmer sets goal to reduce opioid deaths by 50%

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer introduced a plan Thursday to combat the opioid epidemic in Michigan.

“I’m formally setting a goal to reduce the number of opioid deaths by 50 percent in the next five years,” Whitmer said. “This is a crisis that’s hurting families in every community across Michigan.”

In 2017, five people died a day from opioids.

The plan to reduce opioid deaths includes improved access to treatment and expanded services. Doctors will also be educated on how to safely prescribe the drugs, and a media campaign will address stigmas surrounding opioid addiction.

“The media campaign, called Auto Correct, will implement an animated graphic that replaces a stigmatizing word with a healing word," said Robert Gordon, the director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.