Governor creates new council to fight opioid epidemic

LANSING (AP) — Gov. Rick Snyder has created a state council to better coordinate Michigan’'s fight against the opioid epidemic.

Lt. Gov. Brian Calley will lead the council that was established by Snyder's executive order this week.

The formation of the Council on Opioid and Prescription Drug Enforcement was recommended by a prescription drug and opioid abuse task force in 2015. 

It will develop and maintain relationships among local, state and federal agencies that enforce drug laws.

The new council will meet monthly and is meant to be different from the Michigan Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Commission, which Snyder created more than a year ago.