Lima Charlie Podcast: Opioids, Veterans and the VA

The opioid epidemic in the United States is now a public health emergency, following Donald Trump’s declaration on Oct. 26.

However, as Lima Charlie News reported the day before that declaration, opioid abuse amongst military veterans rarely receives headlines, despite veterans being prescribed opiates at a higher rate than the American civilians they protect.

Up first, Don Martinez, a retired Field Artillery Officer in the US Army, tells us about his history of opioid dependency at the VA in Colorado Springs, and how he overcame that struggle.

Then, we go to the VA Hospital in New York City to speak with Dr. Brian Sands, the Chief Medical Officer of the Opioid Treatment Program in the VA’s Harbor Healthcare System, in order to find out what the VA is doing to help veterans with a history of drug abuse.

https://soundcloud.com/limacharlienews/opioidepidemic-va

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This episode was produced and edited by James Fox

Lima Charlie provides global news, insight & analysis by military veterans and service members Worldwide.

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