Gov. Cooper continues battle against opioid epidemic

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The dangers of fentanyl and opioid overdoses are making headlines from the Carolinas to the nation’s Capital, and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper was in Charlotte discussing steps to crack down on the epidemic.

Cooper applauded a local Walgreen’s store for a new plan that lets people get rid of dangerous prescription pills when they visit the store.

He also talked about how he's working with President Donald Trump to help save local lives in the area.

“Four people dying a day from opioid overdose has to be stopped,” Cooper said.

Recent data shows the number of deaths in Mecklenburg County soared from 26 in 2005 to 61 in 2015, a 134 percent increase.

The governor applauded the local Walgreen’s at 8538 N. Tryon St. Tuesday for adding disposal bins where people can safely drop off unneeded prescription pills.

He's also implementing a statewide action plan forcing health workers to check a patient's prescription history before writing or filling a new prescription.

The plan also allocates $20 million for local community-based treatment centers.

Cooper said he's hoping a federal panel created by President Trump will help generate more money to help those who are addicted but can't afford help.

The panel's goal is to create a plan to fight the opioid crises.

Cooper said that panel was recently formed and the goal is to create a new plan in 90 days, which he says may be ambitious but is vitally important.

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