ATLANTA, GA – Last week, Attorney General Chris Carr convened the third meeting of the Statewide Opioid Task Force in Augusta with special guest, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson.

“It was an honor to have Senator Isakson join us for the meeting in Augusta as we continue the work of the Statewide Opioid Task Force,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “The Augusta community is taking a proactive approach in addressing this issue with the ultimate goal of saving lives. We appreciate Augusta University for hosting and all of our presenters for taking the time to share updates on behalf of their respective organizations.”

Attorney General Chris Carr created the Statewide Opioid Task Force to provide an infrastructure of communication between the public, private and non-profit sectors, local, state and federal officials and other stakeholders. The Task Force is open to all Georgians. Currently, membership is 350 and growing. If you’re interested in getting involved or hosting a meeting in your community, you can contact the Department of Law’s Communications Director at [email protected].

“I appreciate Augusta University for hosting today’s meeting, and I applaud Attorney General Carr and everyone who is working so diligently to address the opioid crisis,” said U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga. “It was helpful to able to hear again from officials from the state and share details about the comprehensive legislation we’re working on in Congress to fight the opioid epidemic. This legislative effort will require a multi-pronged approach, including addressing the often-overlooked problem of addiction itself. I’m proud to be a part of this ‘all hands on deck’ approach as we work together to help more Georgians and Americans.”

"We were beyond honored to host the third meeting of Georgia's Statewide Opioid Task Force here at Augusta University,” said Dr. Brooks Keel, President of Augusta University and CEO of the Augusta University Health System. “The current opioid epidemic is a tragic and deeply troubling concern, and as educators and medical professionals, we are committed to playing our part in combating this crisis."

Download this pdf file. CLICK HERE for the full agenda. A meeting summary will be posted in the coming days.

Dose of Reality

Dose of Reality is the Statewide Opioid Task Force’s marketing campaign designed to raise awareness and to encourage community action. We hope Georgians will use the site to find out how they can do their part in preventing opioid abuse in Georgia. The multi-faceted website provides in-depth informational support for healthcare personnel, students, parents, businesses, educators, coaches, caregivers and seniors. Other tabs walk visitors through the dangers associated with opioid abuse and best practices for safe acquisition, appropriate use, safe storage and safe disposal. In fact, the site will provide visitor's with access to an interactive Drug Take Back map that will help them find the closet disposal box to them. And, for those who are struggling with addiction or know someone who is, Dose of Reality also aims to serve as a conduit for treatment options. In addition, those looking to take action can hold outreach events dedicated to raising awareness. Dose of Reality offers a number of suggestions for these events, including information tables, ideas for poster or video contests, community sporting events, town halls and drug take back events. Interested parties can order and download Dose of Reality materials from the Ordering Portal free-of-charge.