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Public commenter urges state rollout of "Billion Pill Pledge" to curb new opioid addictions

5727730 · June 26, 2025

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Summary

Charles Goodmacher, representing Goldfinch Health, urged the committee to expand a pilot aimed at reducing initial opioid prescribing and post‑surgical leftover pills, saying the model reduced prescriptions by 60% and refill rates by 92% in other states.

Charles Goodmacher, a registered lobbyist speaking for Goldfinch Health during public comment, described a voluntary program known as the Billion Pill Pledge and urged the legislature and Department of Health to support a state rollout. Goodmacher described the public‑health rationale: many opioid addictions begin with prescribed painkillers after surgery and leftover pills in medicine cabinets.

"Prescription opioid painkillers do lead to addiction and illicit fentanyl," Goodmacher said. He said Goldfinch Health’s program has achieved what he described as a 60 percent reduction in opioids prescribed and a 92 percent reduction in opioid refill rate in other states that implemented the program. Goodmacher asked the committee to support pilot funding already included in this year’s appropriation and to assist the Department of Health in a broader rollout.

Ending: Goodmacher said Goldfinch Health is working with the Department of Health to deliver a program in New Mexico and urged the committee to continue funding and regulatory support for prescription‑reduction efforts.