Indiana Health Commissioner Jerome Adams will become the country's new surgeon general. Adams had bipartisan support from all senators present during the vote to confirm this week.
During a hearing, Adams said the opioid epidemic will be a main focus and changing prescribing practices is an important piece of that.
"I intend to go out into the community, to medical schools, to dental schools, to nursing schools because we can't forget that the prescribing community is more than just physicians – and partner with all the people that are part of this chain," says Adams.
Adams helped stem Indiana's opioid involved HIV outbreak as he advocated for a syringe exchange program.
After his confirmation Adams tweeted thanks to Hoosiers who he says have trusted and supported him.
Adams, who is also an anesthesiologist, will serve a four year term.