Julián Castro on Substance Use Treatment Access

Castro promises to address the opioid crisis and addiction as a public health issue. He also pledges to invest in new initiatives to prevent dangerous drug use and treat addiction.

In a conversation with IHRC, Castro said he would consider removing the “X” waiver requirements for buprenorphine and methadone prescribing.

“Washington needs to be a partner for states like New Hampshire who has had quite a problem with the opioid crisis. And if I’m president I’ll be a strong partner.”

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At a conversation at the Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition drop-in center in Cedar Rapids, IHRC Executive Director asked if Castro would support removing the “X” waiver for buprenorphine and methadone prescribing. Castro responded, “Well and I agree with you. I think underlying that question is that we can do this in a way where we maintain safety for patients and integrity in the system and accountability right for those who are prescribing. So yes, I believe that we can do that without the cumbersome process that we have in place right now that requires this waiver, because you make a point, there are other prescriptions that are written now that don’t require anything like that, so I would support moving in that direction.” Ziegenhorn followed up by asking pointedly, “Would you commit to getting rid of the X waiver?” As the room and the Secretary laughed, he replied, “I am open to that. Let me research it a little bit more. Today was the first day that I heard about that, yes. I have generally avoided in this campaign, committing on the spot to things I have not fully read about, but I will take a look at it.” Ziegenhorn laughed as well, commenting, “That’s very reasonable.”

“During the campaign I’ve articulated a vision for the future of our country where everyone counts, and where we don’t leave anybody out. We don’t otherize people, but instead, we ensure that everybody has the tools that they need in the years to come and the support they need to be able to live a healthy and prosperous life. And what I’ve seen as Mayor of San Antonio, as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development is that often times, we write people off, people who are in the throes of, you know, an addiction who may be using opioids or who are overdosing. Instead of being able to get the help that they need, too often times they’re ostracized or unable to find the resources that they need when they need it. And so, what I would like to see us do in the years to come, both immediately and then also as we transition to a healthcare system that is actually able to meet the needs of every single person in this country, I would like to see us invest more in those resources that get directly at the people who need them, without the stigma that is often associated with those services right now and for the federal government to be a strong partner with state and local efforts to do that instead of a hinderance.”

Julian Castro – IHRC 2020 Democratic Presidential Candidate Forum on the Overdose Crisis – Event 2
November 23, 2019