Lisa Mortier – Capitol Hill Veteran Lobbyist | Steptoe & Johnson

Opioids: Hidden Dangers, New Hope

Lisa Mortier on how, by mentioning her work with DisposeRx, she starts the "medicine cabinet" conversation with parents of her daughters' friends~ "It's easy and inexpensive. It also is a nice discussion to have with other parents. When you're trying to bring up the conversation of ... Instead of an accusatory way of, "Whoa, have you cleaned out your medicine cabinet? Are you watching your child?" For me, it's been a great way to sort of talk about, "Oh, I have this great new client. Have you heard about this product?" I never even realized that I should be cleaning out my medicine cabinet until I had that. For me, it's been a great segue into having conversations with my daughters' friends." Lisa Mortier, Capitol Hill veteran lobbyist in studio with host Brian Wilson Brian Wilson: Lisa Mortier is a Capitol Hill veteran on a mission. As a federal Lobbyist for DisposeRx she walks the corridors of power in Washington with a simple message - drug disposal is key to solving the opioid crisis. Everyday on Capitol Hill, she encourages Members of Congress to consider legislation that deals with the issue of disposal of opioids - employing her years of experience, her extensive understanding of policy matters and the heart of a mom. Lisa Mortier: We first started talking about this a little bit under the Obama administration. We had the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. . . President Obama: To combat the heroin and prescription drug epidemic that is plaguing so many of our communities. Lisa Mortier: and the 21st Century Cures Act. . . Senator Mitch McConnell: This is the product of a couple of years work, we know this is not the end of the fight but it's one heck of a beginning. Opioid Epidemic Declared a National Emergency Lisa Mortier: Starting in 2017, we did start appropriating some dollars for it, but it really didn't take effect until August of 2017 when the Trump administration declared it a national emergency, President Trump: We can be the generation that ends the opioid epidemic. We can do it. Lisa Mortier: And, That started 90 days of action. The first lady had a round table discussing opioid epidemic. First Lady Melania Trump: It's effected more than 2 million Americans nationwide. And sadly the number continues to rise. Lisa Mortier: The president appointed his very trusted advisor, Kellyanne Conway, as their health czar. Kellyanne Conway: With the Presidents leadership and the First Lady's involvement we are confident we can help those in need across this country. Lisa Mortier:The Department of Justice started cracking down on synthetic drugs entering the market. What really, I think helped push this ahead, as well as when Secretary Azar came into power as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. He declared this as one of his top pillars and priorities. Secretary Azar: Mr. President thank you so much for the confidence that you have bestowed upon me and the incredible department you have entrusted me with. Lisa Mortier: But you still need the resources, so you still needed Congress staff, and Members of Congress jumped on it because they were hearing from all their constituents. Brian Wilson: One thing I know about Washington, and it gets a bad rap in many ways, that if people back home are screaming about something, it gets the rapt attention of Members of Congress. Is that what's happening right now? Lisa Mortier: Yeah, and unfortunately, it's not just screaming, it's crying and they're seeing the pains of their constituents every day. And in this political environment where everyone is so divided and everyone is targeting certain people for their votes, unfortunately or fortunately, this issue crosses all demographics. And Members are really seeing this as something that they can do to help their constituents on an individual level and really make a difference for all these families in crisis and communities.