With the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) recent release of $485 million in grants to battle the opioid epidemic, several committee members greeted the news determined to stem the tide of overdoses and deaths in their districts.
“The heroin and opioid abuse crisis has hit Hoosiers and our communities hard," said Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN). “Thanks to the 21st Century Cures Act, Indiana is getting the resources it desperately needs to reduce overdose deaths; help Hoosiers get treatment for substance abuse and stay in recovery; and reduce the over-prescription of opioids."
In Marion County, part of Rep. Brooks’ district, EMS teams have responded to more than 500 heroin overdose calls since February 1.
In West Virginia, Rep. David McKinley (R-WV) advocated his constituents and district leaders speak out about the crisis as their state has been among the hardest hit by the addiction epidemic.
“Use Facebook, use Twitter accounts, get out and become more vocal about the problems associated with drug use in America, because it’s killing our kids," said Rep. McKinley.
Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) echoed Rep. McKinley’s sentiments, and called on everyone in his district and across the state to band together in the fight against opioid addiction.
“The opioid crisis is not only a national epidemic, it’s happening here in our local communities," said Rep. Bilirakis. “We must take action as opioid-related deaths continue to rise across the board in Florida, regardless of race, age, income, or zip code. This critical grant will support an all-hands-on-deck approach in our state to curb opioid abuse and save lives."
The grants from HHS mark the first phase of state grants being released to combat the epidemic, as part of the landmark 21st Century Cures Act.
