Walberg: Behind Tragic Heroin Statistics are Real People
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) participated in a special order on the House Floor last night with fellow members of the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic to raise awareness about this growing public health crisis affecting communities in Michigan and across the country. Walberg shared the story of Mike Hirst, whose son Andrew died of a heroin overdose at the age of 24. This tragic loss has led Mike to dedicate himself to stopping heroin overdoses in the Jackson area by sharing the experience of his son's death. Recognizing his tireless efforts, the Jackson Citizen Patriot newspaper recently named Mike their Citizen of the Year. For video of Walberg's speech, click here.
Transcript of Walberg's remarks as prepared for delivery:
I want to thank Congressman Guinta, Congresswoman Kuster, and my colleagues who are participating in this special order to highlight the ongoing epidemic of heroin and prescription drug abuse.
I rise today as a Member of the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic to discuss a growing public health crisis in the United States. But more personally, a crisis occurring in my home district – the Michigan 7th.
The tragic stories of prescription drug abuse and fatal overdoses hit close to home in far too many Michigan communities.
Through September of this year, Washtenaw County suffered 41 opioid overdose deaths. Local law enforcement officials in Monroe County believe the number of heroin overdose deaths in 2015 will top 2014. In Jackson County, the total number of drug overdoses has nearly tripled in the last five years, and in 2015, 131 overdoses were reported.
These are troubling statistics, but it's more than that. Behind these numbers are real individuals and families who have been affected by this tragic epidemic.
On May 17, 2010, Andrew Hirst died of a heroin overdose at the age of 24. For his father, Mike Hirst, this tragic loss has led him to dedicate himself to stopping heroin overdoses in the Jackson area by sharing the experience of his son's death. For the past five years, Mike has counseled addicts, supported families, and mentored at risk youth away from heroin and opiate drugs through his foundation, Andy's Angels.
In addition, he's led educational efforts to inform people of the link between prescription opioid use and heroin addiction. He has also teamed with local police agencies to investigate heroin dealers to eliminate access points for this deadly drug.
Recognizing his tireless efforts, the Jackson Citizen Patriot newspaper recently named Mike Hirst their Citizen of the Year.
Fortunately, Mike isn't done and isn't alone in this fight. Across Michigan's 7th district, communities are ramping up education and prevention efforts as well as enforcement strategies. For example, Monroe County recently held their 3rd Annual Prescription Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit.
Jackson County held their second drug summit in December, and the County Prosecutor's Office plans to host a series of additional meetings in 2016.
Local efforts to raise awareness and fight this growing epidemic are also underway in Branch, Eaton, Hillsdale, Lenawee, and Washtenaw Counties.
Fighting against heroin and opioid abuse will take the work of citizens, treatment providers, law enforcement, and elected officials at every level.
In Congress, we must continue to pursue legislative solutions to improve coordination between federal agencies and the states and equip our first responders on the front lines. Just as importantly, we can promote awareness in our communities and support those who have been affected by this crisis.
Tonight's speeches aim to raise the profile of this issue, to increase education, and to honor people like Mike Hirst who are fighting to save others from the dangers of drug overdoses.
Thank you, I yield back.