Department of the Interior Secretary Zinke Welcomes Traveling Memorial to Lives Lost in Opioid Epidemic





Washington, DC - - (March 27, 2018) - - Today, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke applauded President Trump for welcoming the “Prescribed to Death” exhibit to the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., where it will be hosted by the National Park Service and will be open to the public from April 12 until April 18, 2018.

The interactive exhibit, created by the National Safety Council as part of its “Stop Everyday Killers” public engagement campaign, features personal stories, impactful videos, and startling statistics. It also includes a wall with 22,000 simulated pills, each representing the face of an American overdose.

“‘The Prescribed to Death’ exhibit brings the very real tragedy experienced by countless American families to Washington, D.C., where it can send a strong message to lawmakers that we absolutely must work together to stop the opioid epidemic,” said Secretary Zinke. “The Department of the Interior is committed to fighting this battle alongside the President through education and awareness, proper treatment, effective enforcement, and community-based support. Just last week, I met with several tribal communities across America to discuss this very crisis. These communities have been tormented by opioid abuse for far too long, and I am looking forward to working with the President to rebuild these communities in hope for a better future.”

In the face of a rising number of deaths as a result of opioid abuse, President Donald Trump declared the opioid epidemic a national public health emergency in October 2017, and the Department of the Interior has joined the government-wide effort to find innovative solutions to address this critical priority.

The Ellipse is part of President’s Park, which includes 82 acres of park lands, statues, memorials and structures surrounding the White House. Learn more about President’s Park at: www.nps.gov/whho.

Additional details about public access to the temporary exhibit will be available soon and posted on the National Safety Council’s website.

Courtesy: U.S. Department of the Interior