U.S. Representative Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) joins the non-profit anti-drug organization, Operation UNITE and national leaders, including U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Regina Benjamin and the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), Gil Kerlikowske at the National Rx Drug Abuse Summit in Orlando, Florida, April 10-12, 2012.

“Last year, when federal law enforcment officers made arrests at a Florida clinic, 90-percent of the patients were Kentuckians stocking up on prescription pain killers,” stated Rogers. "The drug epidemic knows no state boundaries and no social boundaries. We are making headway in southern and eastern Kentucky, thanks to Operation UNITE and the organization's partnership with local, state and federal agencies. However, this Summit will spark nation-wide conversations and create opportunities for innovative solutions through education, law enforcement, treatment and research."

Congressman Rogers will be the keynote speaker at a number of sessions during the National Rx Drug Abuse Summit. On Tuesday, April 10th Rogers will join ONDCP Director Gil Kerlikowske and Congressman Nick Rahall (WV-03) for a news conference about the prescription drug epidemic.

On Wednesday, April 11th Rogers joins the President & CEO of The Partnership at Drugfree.org, Steve Pasierb for "A Conversation About the Realities of Rx Drug Abuse." Pasierb and Rogers will wrap up the conversation with questions from the audience.

On Thursday, April 12th Rogers will participate in the conference finale, a "Forum of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse." Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi will moderate the forum with presenters including Rogers' caucus colleagues, U.S. Rep. Mary Bono-Mack (CA-45), U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (WV-03), and U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston (GA-01). After the forum, caucus members will host a news conference.

"I commend Operation UNITE and President & CEO Karen Kelly for undertaking the enormous challenge to bring the successful efforts of this grassroots organization to the national stage, in hopes of making a difference beyond the mountains of southern and eastern Kentucky," said Rogers. "Drug overdose is now the nation's leading cause of accidental death and injury, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). It's time for leaders across this nation to step up the plate and declare victory over the prescription drug abuse epidemic."

For more information, visit www.nationalrxdrugabusesummit.org.

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visit www.halrogers.house.gov.

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