Lawmakers Consider Pilot Program To Combat Opioid Epidemic

DENVER (CBS4) – State lawmakers are considering a first-of-its-kind pilot program to combat an opioid epidemic in Colorado.

Experts say 41 people a month die from an opioid overdose in Colorado.

(credit: CBS)

Sen. Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo, is sponsoring a bill that would provide $500,000 in grants for the next two years to expand access to treatment in rural areas.

The money would provide training for nurses and physician assistants.

Among those testifying in favor of the bill was a Pueblo paramedic.