The Latest: Trump wants PR effort on dangers of drugs

Attorney General Jeff Sessions and first lady Melania Trump listen as President Donald Trump speaks at Manchester Community College in Manchester, N.H., Monday, March 19, 2018, to unveil more of his plan to combat the nation's opioid crisis. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Attorney General Jeff Sessions and first lady Melania Trump listen as President Donald Trump speaks at Manchester Community College in Manchester, N.H., Monday, March 19, 2018, to unveil more of his plan to combat the nation's opioid crisis. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — The Latest on President Donald Trump and opioid drug addiction (all times local):

3:15 p.m.

President Donald Trump is declaring the need for a nationwide public relations effort to convince Americans, and particularly children, to not start using drugs.

He announced a new website — crisisnextdoor.gov — that warned of the dangers of opioids, including fentanyl. He also called for broadcasting “great commercials” during “the right shows” that demonstrate to children “how bad” drugs are.

Trump said tougher borders were needed to prevent the flow of drugs to the United States. He told the audience in Manchester, New Hampshire, that the nation needed a stronger southern border and a crackdown on sanctuary cities — including nearby Lawrence, Massachusetts — that he says supply drugs the nation’s heartland.

ADVERTISEMENT

___

2:55 p.m.

President Donald Trump says the nation “must get tough” with drug dealers, which includes utilizing the death penalty.

Trump unveiled his plan to combat the nation’s deadly opioid addiction in a speech Monday in Manchester, New Hampshire, a state ravaged by the drug.

Trump said “failure is not an option” and vowed that “addiction is not our future.”

He vowed to help create “a generation of drug-free children.” And he complained that, under the current law, a dealer could sell a drug that could kill hundreds but only receive a short prison sentence.

This is Trump’s first visit as president to New Hampshire. His victory there in the 2016 Republican primary helped propel him to the nomination, though he lost the state narrowly in the general election to Hillary Clinton.

___

2:50 p.m.

Melania Trump says “real progress” is being made in combatting the nation’s opioid crisis because of the hard work of doctors and nurses across the country.

She introduced President Donald Trump at an event Monday in Manchester, New Hampshire, where he’s outlining more elements of his plan to combat the opioid addiction.

One element of the plan includes applying the federal death penalty to drug traffickers where applicable under current law. Raising education and awareness, and expanding access to proven treatment and recovery efforts.

Mrs. Trump spoke about her visits to hospitals and clinics that help children who were born addicted to opioids.

ADVERTISEMENT

___

2:10 p.m.

President Donald Trump has dropped in on New Hampshire firefighters before he gives a speech about the nation’s opioid drug crisis.

Trump and his wife, Melania, stopped at fire department headquarters in downtown Manchester on Monday.

Eight firefighters stood in front of a truck emblazoned with “Rescue 1.”

Trump told the firefighters he’s getting a “big response” in Congress for his three-part plan to end the drug epidemic. The plan focuses on education and raising awareness, law enforcement, and expanding access to proven treatment and recovery efforts. One element includes subjecting drug traffickers to the federal death penalty.

Trump is making his first visit to New Hampshire since becoming president.

___

3:00 a.m.

President Donald Trump’s plan to combat opioid drug addiction calls for stiffer penalties for drug traffickers, including the death penalty where it’s appropriate under current law.

Administration officials say Trump also wants Congress to pass legislation reducing the amount of drugs necessary to trigger mandatory minimum sentences on traffickers who knowingly distribute certain illicit opioids.

The president is scheduled to unveil his plan Monday in New Hampshire, a state hard-hit by the crisis. He’ll be accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, who has shown an interest in the issue, particularly as it pertains to children.

Trump has mused openly in recent weeks about subjecting drug dealers to the “ultimate penalty.”

His three-part plan includes multiple steps to raise awareness, cut the illicit drug flow and expand proven treatment options