This winter and spring, in particular, I have heard from doctors, nurses, first responders, families and numerous individuals who have told me tragic stories about loved ones lost to opioid addiction and others struggling to overcome it. I am not the only one who has heard the countless tragic stories, it is happening across the nation.
The House of Representatives recently took action to combat the opioid epidemic and also to provide treatment to help individuals reclaim and rebuild their lives. One bill that was passed is the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Reduction Act, which combats the epidemic by establishing a streamlined opioid abuse grant program that encompasses new and existing programs, such as vital training and resources for first responders and law enforcement and, criminal investigations for the unlawful distribution of opioids.
In addition, I am incredibly pleased to report the House passed the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA). This legislation strengthens prevention programs, supports law enforcement efforts, and expands access to evidence-based treatment and recovery services. Earlier this year, the Senate overwhelmingly passed its own version of CARA and now both chambers will begin to work out the differences between the bills, so there is one uniform path forward.
As a whole, the bipartisan bills the House passed accomplish their goals by leveraging taxpayer dollars and by increasing the transparency and accountability of government programs designed to curb opioid addiction.
Nearly every 12 minutes, someone in the United States dies of a drug overdose. That is a startling fact and with the support and awareness of Americans to help those in need - that number can in fact change for the better.
The House passed over a dozen bills this week to combat opioid abuse, ranging from those assisting newborns who are born into addiction and improving the use of opioid therapy and pain management in treating veterans. While that is a great start in the right direction, our work does not end here. We owe it to the millions of families across the country who have been impacted by the opioid crisis to continue our efforts in combatting this epidemic.
U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-Mo., represents the state's 3rd District, which includes Jefferson City. His local office can be reached at 573-635-7232.
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