CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE TAKES ACTION TO COMBAT OPIOID ABUSE
Centers for Disease Control reports a record setting 93,331 people died of a drug overdose last year – a rise of nearly 30 percent from 2019
(Washington, DC) – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle voted to deliver $1.75 billion in federal funding to stem the tide of opioid abuse in our community and address social determinants of addiction by voting to fund state opioid response programs.
"The opioid epidemic has impacted the lives of far too many families and, sadly, has only grown worse since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Congressman Joe Morelle. "Solving this crisis requires a multifaceted approach, which is why I'm proud to deliver funding to local communities to strengthen prevention and treatment services. I'm also fighting to pass additional legislation to address the underlying components of addiction, because this is fundamentally a mental health issue."
HR 2379, the State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act of 2021, authorizes $1.75 billion annually for the State Opioid Response Program through the year 2027. Funds will be allocated to states allowing them to identify and implement effective strategies to prevent substance use disorders, support telehealth in rural and underserved areas, purchase overdose-reversal medications, and establish prescription drug monitoring programs. Additionally, it will provide increased training for health care practitioners, such as best practices for prescribing opioids, pain management, better recognizing potential cases of substance use disorders, referral of patients to treatment programs, preventing diversion of controlled substances, and overdose prevention.
Last week, Congressman Morelle joined New York State Attorney General Letitia James on her HEAL NY tour announcing the distribution of funds from the state's opioid settlement. This money will allow for increased treatment and education programs locally.
"Unfortunately, we all know someone, whether a loved one, a friend, or a neighbor, who has struggled with opioid abuse and addiction," said Congressman Morelle. "In Congress, I've joined the Congressional Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery Caucus where I will be working directly to solve the opioid epidemic and ensure federal funding is in place to make recovery a reality for those in need of assistance."
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)