Trump, HHS Declare Opioid Health Emergency

The acting health and human services secretary has officially declared the opioid crisis a nationwide public health emergency, as requested by President Donald Trump.

Eric D. Hargan says in a statement that Trump "has made this national crisis a top priority since he took office in January." And: "we are proud to be leading in this effort at HHS."

The declaration does not provide any additional money to fight the opioid epidemic, but it does allow agencies to redirect resources.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 140 Americans die every day from drug overdoses — including 91 specifically from opioids.