dailycaller
Steve Birr
Vice Reporter
1:43 PM 11/25/2017
[excerpt]
http://dailycaller.com/2017/11/25/lost-productivity-from-opioid-addiction-is-draining-billions-from-virginias-coffers/Opioid addiction is draining billions annually from Virginia due to a drop in labor productivity, according to a report on the economic health of Virginia.
The report, published by Old Dominion University’s Center for Economic Analysis and Policy, reveals that the opioid epidemic is significantly impacting economic production in Virginia. The researchers estimate the labor force participation rate in Virginia has declined by roughly 3 percent due to the opioid addiction crisis, costing the state roughly $6 billion in annual lost productivity, reports Virginia Public Radio.
Robert McNab, deputy director of the Center for Economic Analysis and Policy, says this often-overlooked cost reveals the scope of the epidemic and its impact on the working population.
