Downriver Today

State legislators have expressed concern over discussions to potentially dismantle the Opioid Advisory Commission in Michigan. This panel, established in 2022, plays a significant role in advising lawmakers on the allocation of $1.6 billion from opioid settlement funds for addiction and recovery resources.

A report by Bridge Michigan highlighted communications between state health officials and a senior advisor to Governor Gretchen Whitmer about possibly removing the commission. Critics argue that this move could undermine efforts to address the opioid crisis effectively.

Representative Thompson emphasized the importance of the commission, stating, “The advisory commission provides crucial and needed oversight as a non-partisan group of experts and is helping develop best practices for how to fight addiction, help our families, support our communities, and utilize resources the best that we can.” He warned against eliminating it as a political maneuver by the governor’s administration.

Representative Schmaltz echoed these concerns, noting, “Dismantling the Opioid Advisory Commission would be a huge step backward in our fight against addiction and overdose deaths.” He stressed that experts on the commission are essential for providing oversight and ensuring funds are used effectively.

To promote collaboration, Thompson and Schmaltz introduced House Bill 5967. This bill mandates that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services share information with the Opioid Advisory Commission when compiling annual reports. The department currently maintains records on opioid-related overdose fatalities.

Michigan has faced high rates of fatal overdoses. In 2023 alone, nearly 3,000 people died from drug overdoses in the state, with many cases involving fentanyl.