Peach Tree Times

State Representative Katie Dempsey (R-Rome) has been appointed by Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) to chair the House Study Committee on Alternatives to Opioids for Pain Management.

"As we have seen in recent years, Georgians have been increasingly affected by the opioid epidemic," said Rep. Dempsey. "While we must address alternatives to opioids for pain management, we must also work to support those who suffer from chronic pain and are in fear of losing access to these medications. Furthermore, our work this summer will target health providers and patients by educating them on the importance of exploring pain management methods that do not involve highly addictive opioids but address the need for their accessibility to patients who rely on them to treat chronic pain. We will continue the work to prevent the loss of lives due to this crisis, and I am grateful to Speaker Burns and the House’s leadership for their efforts to counter the opioid epidemic."

The House Study Committee on Alternatives to Opioids for Pain Management was established following the adoption of House Resolution 1360 during the 2024 legislative session. The study committee will explore methods to increase awareness of non-opioid alternatives, including non-opioid pharmacologic treatments, through educational programs for healthcare providers. The committee aims to foster collaboration and integrated care among all healthcare providers involved in pain management. Additionally, the committee may propose legislative recommendations before the 2025 legislative session.

Speaker Burns also appointed several other members: State Representatives Butch Parrish (R-Swainsboro), Lee Hawkins (R-Gainesville), Sharon Cooper (R-Marietta), Michelle Au (D-Johns Creek), Lynn Gladney (D-Augusta), and Mark Newton (R-Augusta). Non-legislative members include Mr. Jeff Breedlove, Mr. Michael Persley, Dr. Armin Oskouei, Mr. Jesse Weathington, and Mr. Adam Kaye.