Prescription drug abuse is now the #1 public health crisis in America and opioids, which include prescription painkillers, are becoming the worst culprits. Drug Overdoses were responsible for nearly 47,055 deaths in 2014. They are now a bigger killer of Americans than guns and car accidents.

For the past several years, President Obama and his administration have made efforts to stem this epidemic to no avail. The problem continues to grow. Earlier this month, in his 2017 budget proposal, he allocated nearly $1.1 billion to fight the opioid problem. The money would be focused on expanding treatment centers and deterring abuse of prescription medications, which is great. If it passes, it could provide crucial services to addicts and their families. But it's not nearly enough.

One out of four teens has abused prescription drugs. Being a doctor, I have seen the effects of this first hand. Just last week, I attended the funeral of a very bright teenager who fell prey to this horrible epidemic.

This issue still lives in the shadows, for the most part. The administration and others have yet to take it on in a truly effective way . There is a stigma attached to drug abuse, and the press, families, friends, churches, and other groups often choose to sweep it under the rug rather than really talk about it. We need a large forum to shed light on this epidemic.

That's why I am calling on U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, to make combating opioid Abuse his 2016 "Call to Action". It could go a long way toward putting this crisis front and center.

The Surgeon General's Call to Action is a science-based document issued every year that focuses on a specific public health problem, with the purpose of stimulating nationwide action to solve it. It is not just a symbolic gesture. It has helped us put plans in place to end health crises. It may just help stem the tide of death and destroyed lives caused by opioid addiction.

Last year, the Call to Action was Walking for Fitness. In other recent years, it has been oral health and home safety. These are all important issues, but it is time for opioid addiction to be recognized as the killer epidemic that it is.

Please join me in calling on Surgeon General Murthy to make combating opioid addiction his 2016 Call to Action.