WASHINGTON, DC - As part of the 21st Century Cures Act, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today the second round of grants to help states and territories combat the opioid epidemic. The $485 million in grants will be administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and be used toward the prevention of opioid abuse and treatment to those affected. The first round of grants was announced in April 2017.
“These are vital and welcome resources in the fight to combat the opioid crisis. As we continue to hear of loved ones lost, this is another tool in our arsenal," said Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR), Health Subcommittee Chairman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), and Energy Subcommittee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI). “While this Congress has made available a record amount of financial resources to help stem the tide, it is imperative these critical dollars are being best used in the communities hardest hit. Part of our ongoing legislative efforts will make it easier to track these important resources and ensure they are effectively deployed."
The Energy and Commerce Committee has led the charge in responding to the epidemic. In addition to the state grants within the 21st Century Cures Act, committee investigations also led to legislative solutions that ultimately were included in the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) last Congress.
Last month, President Trump signed into law a government funding bill that provided $4 billion to help address prevention, treatment, and enforcement issues, as part of the opioid epidemic.
Currently, Energy and Commerce is in the midst of a two-track push to combat the opioid crisis, seeking to advance legislation to help stem the tide and investigate some of the root causes of the crisis. Specifically, the committee’s legislative efforts have examined bills to: improve patient safety and bolster enforcement tools, advance prevention and public health solutions, and address coverage and payment issues within Medicare and Medicaid.
