Senator Roger Thompson and Rep. Chris Kannady will begin serving on the Oklahoma Commission on Opioid Abuse as it gets work underway for 2019. They are replacing two legislative members who did not run for re-election last year.
Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter said the Commission had made great strides, but more work is needed.
“I greatly appreciate Sen. Roger Thompson and Rep. Chris Kannady for stepping up to assist in our continued efforts in curbing the state’s opioid epidemic,” Hunter said. “They are both exceptional, influential leaders at the Capitol and have a passion for helping Oklahomans. The two of them, along with the other members of the commission, are serving as the catalyst for change to end the crisis facing our state. I look forward to furthering our research and taking action to help all Oklahomans who are struggling.”
“I’m honored to be asked to serve on the Oklahoma Commission on Opioid Abuse,” Thompson said. “The opioid epidemic has devastated families and communities throughout our state. We’ve created a strong foundation of public policy to save lives and curtail the abuse of opioids. I look forward to working with my fellow members on the Commission and within the Legislature as we continue this fight.”
“It is a privilege to join a team that is committed to saving lives,” Kannady said. “I thank Attorney General Hunter for his leadership on the commission and for asking me to be a part of it. I am committed to working side-by-side with my fellow members to deliver much needed change to end the crisis and chart a better path forward for our state.”
The first meeting for the Commission is Thursday. It will be held in Room 206 at the Oklahoma Capitol Building at 9:30 a.m.
