Trump calls up baseball great Darryl Strawberry to fight opioid crisis

President Trump has enlisted former New York Mets All-Star Darryl Strawberry in the offensive against opioid addiction.

Mr. Strawberry, whose Christian faith helped him beat a personal struggle with drug abuse and opioid addiction, was at the White House with other faith leaders Thursday for a meetings with administration officials.

“They asked us if we can come be a part with [Christian] radio station K-LOVE to talk about the epidemic because I work with kids who are struggling with addiction and dying everyday,” Mr. Strawberry told The Washington Times.

The baseball star detailed his experience finding religion and overcoming drugs in his book “Don’t Give Up on Me: Shedding Light on Addiction with Darryl Strawberry.”

Mr. Strawberry and his wife Tracy lead Strawberry Ministries which strives to “lead people to Jesus Christ and to restore lives and relationships through the power of God,” according to their website.

Mr. Trump has made combating the opioid crisis a priority, requesting $30 billion for drug control efforts in the 2019 budget.

However, the president was criticized for simultaneously proposing a deep cut to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, shifting resources away from the White House and to the departments of Justice and Health and Human Services.

Mr. Strawberry, who has a personal relationship with Mr. Trump, said that education was key to preventing young Americans from getting involved with drugs.

“We’ve gotten away from going into the schools and educating kids about drug addiction,” he said.

He also blamed pharmaceutical companies for the spread of opioids.

“They’re making money and people are dying,” said Mr. Strawberry.