THE chairwoman of a new task force set to tackle the rising number of drug deaths in Scotland has been announced.
Professor Catriona Matheson, of the University of Stirling, will take up the role.
READ MORE: War on drugs 'unwinnable' under current UK law, MPs hear
The creation of the Drug Death Taskforce was announced in March by Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick, who said “radical steps” are needed to address the “emergency”.
There were 934 drug-related deaths registered in 2017, up 66 (8%) on the previous year, and it is feared the 2018 figure may be higher.
Prof Matheson said: “I am honoured to accept this responsibility to deliver real change through a strengthened public health approach. I am keen to examine the evidence and work across the landscape, involving those with lived experience of drug use and their families.”
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