WASHINGTON, June 14, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Jessica Hulsey Nickel whose own family was devastated by addiction, is the founder of a coalition of 1,200 families impacted by substance use disorders, will testify at the first meeting of the Christie Commission in Room 350 of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus Friday, June 16, at 12:30 PM.

Nickel, President and CEO of the Addiction Policy Forum, congratulated President Trump and Governor Christie for their focus on opioid deaths. "With more than 50,000 people dying a year from overdose deaths – 144 a day-- we are losing a generation of Americans to this epidemic. The country needs action," Nickel asserted.

She said, "We have to recognize the impact on communities nationwide. I know this firsthand as a family member who has seen this tragedy up close. Addiction can devastate families. Both of my parents struggled with this illness. The lives of millions are touched by the opioid epidemic, overdoses, homelessness, children placed in foster care, parents in and out of jail and prison. Their suffering was also mine and our entire family's."

Nickel continued, "The families in our coalition are working to prevent others from going through the trauma of losing a child and helping with the navigation care for those in need of treatment. Our nation need not suffer to this degree."  A Princeton graduate and a former assistant to Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) when he was in the House, Nickel is working with communities to translate science into practice and develop resources for families in crisis. 

Nickel's passion and background have been working to improve the lives of people with addiction. In 1998, President Bill Clinton appointed her to serve on the Drug-Free Communities Commission, where she became co-chair.

Four-Star Gen. Barry McCaffrey, former U.S. Drug Czar, is chair of the National Board of Advisors of the Addiction Policy Forum. The Christie Commission created by President Trump is formally titled the Presidential Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis.

***NICKEL IS AVAILABLE TO PRESS: Contact Bob Weiner 301-283-0821, cell 202-306-1200 weinerpublic@comcast.net concerning interviews

Contact: Bob Weiner/Camille Martin 301-283-0821, cell 202-306-1200

SOURCE Robert Weiner Associates and Addiction Policy Forum