Pence said at a news conference, the effort involves a “comprehensive approach” of enforcement and compassionate treatment.
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The task force will do a statewide assessment, evaluating resources across the state for drug treatment, identifying gaps in enforcement and prevention opportunities.
Indiana ranks 16th in the nation when it comes to overdoses.
Months after recent outbreaks of HIV and hepatitis drew national attention to rampant intravenous drug abuse in some parts of Indiana, Gov. Mike Pence announced on Tuesday the creation of a task force that will explore the best way to fight addiction.
Pence said law enforcement plays a critical role, but the state also must recognize the need to “address the root causes of addiction and focus on treatment”.
In a statement, Indiana Economic Development Corporation spokeswoman Abby Gras said money donated by private companies spares taxpayers from having to foot the bill for the trips.
She likes the idea of the new task force, and especially is encouraged that funds could be dedicated to prevention.
Regardless of the recommendations, one lawmaker serving on the task force said he’ll file legislation in 2016 to strengthen penalties against drug dealers. Lerch said before people get addicted to drugs like heroin they start with a gateway drug, most often it’s alcohol. Meanwhile, Vectren, which supplies natural gas to much of the central and southern portions of the state, donated $267,000. For instance, locally-manufactured and imported methamphetamine is an issue in Southwestern Indiana, but is not a problem in Indianapolis.
“It displays the absolute stranglehold that the Indiana Energy Association and electric utilities have on our state government and our electoral process”, said Kerwin Olson, executive director at Citizens Action Coalition, a consumer advocacy group.
“There’s a lot of work we have to do in society at large to change perceptions”, he said. Pence stopped short of saying he would seek additional funding should the task force recommend the state increase spending.
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Duke Power spokesman Lew Middleton disagreed with those that say Pence is just too cozy with the power business.
